Hollywood is a funny place. One day you’re the awkward kid from About a Boy and the next, you’re playing a series of incredibly complex, often queer characters that leave the internet scratching its head. People have been asking is Nicholas Hoult gay for nearly two decades now, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why the question keeps popping up.
He’s just that good at his job.
Whether he’s playing a seductive manipulator in Skins or a heartbreakingly earnest student in A Single Man, Hoult has a way of disappearing into these roles. But as we move into 2026, with Hoult taking on massive projects like James Gunn’s Superman, the line between his on-screen personas and his actual life is clearer than ever.
The Roles That Started the Conversation
Let’s be real: Hoult doesn't shy away from "the work." Most actors of his caliber worry about being typecast, but he seems to lean into whatever is interesting.
His breakout adult role was Tony Stonem in the UK cult classic Skins. Tony was... a lot. He was the "alpha" of the group, a guy who used his charm like a weapon. In one of the show's most talked-about arcs, Tony experiments with his best friend, Maxxie. It wasn’t just a one-off joke; it was a layered exploration of a character who felt he was "above" traditional labels.
Then came A Single Man in 2009. Working with Tom Ford—a man who knows a thing or two about aesthetics and subtext—Hoult played Kenny, a student who becomes a beacon of light for his grieving, gay professor (played by Colin Firth). He was ethereal, charming, and undeniably queer in that role.
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When you play these parts with so much empathy, people start to wonder. It’s a compliment to the craft, really. Hoult once mentioned in an interview with The Guardian that he used to "make things up" during press tours just because he was bored. One of those things? A fake story about an abusive gay relationship with a co-star. He later admitted it was a total prank, but the internet has a long memory.
Who is Nicholas Hoult Actually Dating?
If you’re looking for the "straight" answer—pun intended—the facts point toward a very committed family life.
Nicholas Hoult has been in a relationship with American model Bryana Holly since late 2016. They are famously private. Like, "don't even post photos of the kids' faces" private.
His Marriage to Bryana Holly
For years, everyone called her his "longtime girlfriend." But during the press tour for Nosferatu in late 2024, Hoult finally let the cat out of the bag. He started referring to her as his "wife." When People magazine asked him point-blank if they had secretly tied the knot, he gave a classically British, understated response: "I think it’s fairly clear from my comments." Basically, yes. They’re married. They reportedly had a secret ceremony, likely around 2017 or 2018, though they’ve never shared the date or the photos.
The Kids
Hoult is a dad of two.
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- Joaquin: Their son was born in April 2018.
- A second child: Born in late 2022.
He’s talked about how fatherhood changed him, mostly in terms of how much he values sleep. He even mentioned that he talks faster in interviews now just so he can get home to them sooner. It’s a far cry from the "is Nicholas Hoult gay" rumors that dominated his early twenties.
That Viral Moment with David Corenswet
Now, if you’ve been on social media lately, you might have seen some "thirsty" headlines. While filming the new Superman movie (where Hoult plays Lex Luthor), he made a comment on the Armchair Expert podcast that sent "Gay Twitter" into a frenzy.
He told Dax Shepard that his wife, Bryana, actually encouraged him to be "held" by his co-star David Corenswet because Corenswet is so much bigger than him. Hoult’s quote? "I did [ask David] and it felt warm inside."
Context is everything. Hoult was clearly joking about the "bromance" on set, but the internet does what it does. It turned into a meme overnight. It shows how comfortable he is with his masculinity—he doesn't feel the need to act like a "tough guy" to prove anything. He’s secure enough to talk about how "warm" it feels to be hugged by the Man of Steel.
Why the Question Persists
There are a few reasons why the search term is Nicholas Hoult gay stays relevant in 2026:
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- Consistent Advocacy: He’s a massive ally. He’s spoken out frequently about the need for better LGBTQ+ representation in film.
- The "Vibe": Hoult has an unconventional, almost "pretty boy" look that he’s utilized for high-fashion campaigns (like Tom Ford) and period pieces (The Favourite) that often lean into queer aesthetics.
- Past Relationships: Before Bryana, he had a very high-profile relationship with Jennifer Lawrence. When they broke up, the tabloids went wild looking for a "reason," often grasping at straws.
Honestly? He just seems like a guy who doesn't care about the gossip. He’s focused on being a "villain" in the DC Universe and a "dad" at the dinner table.
The Bottom Line
Is Nicholas Hoult gay? No. He is a heterosexual man who is happily married to Bryana Holly and is raising two children.
However, his legacy as an actor is deeply intertwined with queer cinema. He has played gay, bisexual, and "sexually fluid" characters with a level of respect and nuance that few straight actors manage. That’s probably why he has such a massive following in the LGBTQ+ community. He treats these roles as humans, not as stereotypes or "issues" to be solved.
If you’re a fan, the best thing to do is keep an eye on his upcoming projects. From Nosferatu to Superman, he’s entering a "villain era" that looks like it’s going to be a lot of fun to watch.
What to Know Next
If you're following Hoult's career, watch his recent interviews on The Late Show or Armchair Expert. He’s becoming much more open about his life as a husband and father, even if he still guards his kids' privacy. You can also look for his red carpet appearances with Bryana—they finally made their debut as a couple in December 2024, ending years of speculation about their relationship status.