When it comes to making superhero films, "X-Men: Apocalypse" star Nicholas Hoult sure knows a thing or two what makes a good one. After all, he has appeared as Beast in three "X-Men" films already - "First Class," "Days of Future Past," and now "Apocalypse."
So when he saw down with NME magazine to promote the upcoming mutant film and discuss the state of superhero films, Hoult lamented that some studios seem to be contented with a tried and tested formula and refuse to be more daring with their storylines.
"At times I'll see superhero movies and admittedly be frustrated by them," said Hoult. "It does feel like some are just packaging and they're not trying hard enough because they know it's a bankable formula."
Hoult, who also starred in "Mad Max: Fury Road" alongside Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron did not specify a specific superhero movie, but many feel that he was referencing the ones made by the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
He did point out that the predictable "packaging" does not apply to the "X-Men" franchise, since they like to push the envelope of storytelling.
"I love the 'X-Men' films because they have a heart to them and you have actors like Michael Fassbender who brings so much to the characters," he explained. "The superheroes in that world aren't smug. You don't want to watch someone who you know is going to win from the start just being awesome for two hours."
However, the actor did express some enthusiasm over future superhero films such as "Deadpool" and "Gambit" - the former stars Ryan Reynolds while the latter will star Channing Tatum.
"That's kind of the way all those superhero movies are going at the moment, isn't it? They're kind of getting bigger and bigger, and merging all those characters together," Hoult said. "Tonally, I think 'Deadpool's' very different from the 'X-Men' world. That's why they're going R-rated, and I'm excited with what they're doing with that. So who knows if they could ever merge and keep the integrity of the character for him?"
As for "Gambit," Hoult said that he has always loved the character of Remy LeBeau and that is why he is looking forward to seeing what they will do to him on the big screen.
"I used to watch the animated series, where Gambit and Beast were always my favorite characters!" he said. "So I'm looking forward to seeing the 'Gambit' movie as well."