**Fatherhood Shapes Nicholas Hoult’s New Role in ‘How to Rob a Bank’**
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Nicholas Hoult recently shared insights into how his role as a father has profoundly influenced his acting career, particularly during the filming of his latest action-comedy, *How to Rob a Bank*. Speaking at the film’s premiere in New York City on 10 November, the actor offered a candid reflection on the interplay between parenthood and artistry.
At 36 years old, Hoult has embraced the role of a father to four children, a reality that he noted profoundly shapes his work. “Being a dad informs all your work — especially with this role,” he expressed, detailing how his character, Ryan, grapples with parental loss and regret. Ryan’s narrative revolves around the tragic death of his three-year-old son, who succumbed to cancer after the family faced financial hardships that prevented them from securing treatment.
In the film, Ryan’s journey takes a dark turn as he seeks revenge for his son’s death by engaging in bank robbery. This complex emotional backdrop was crucial for Hoult, who found personal parallels with the character’s grief and desperation.
His co-star, Pete Davidson, also reflected on the impact of fatherhood during the film’s premiere. Davidson, who plays one of the bank robbers, revealed that he learned of his impending fatherhood just as filming began. “It was super emotional, and it was a bit weird,” he remarked. Davidson welcomed a daughter named Scottie in December 2025 with Elsie Hewitt, though their relationship ended five months later.
The film delves deep into themes of familial loss and the lengths to which parents will go for their children. Hoult and his wife Bryana Holly celebrated the birth of their first child, Joaquin, in 2018, and have since welcomed two additional children and twins in 2025. Both parents have chosen to maintain the privacy of their children, keeping their identities shielded from the media.
Davidson commended Hoult for his commitment to family during filming, noting, “Elsie was pregnant while we were filming, and [Hoult] just had his twins. He would fly back every weekend to go see his family, and that was very inspiring.” This dedication to balancing family life with a demanding film shoot illustrates the deep personal connections the actors brought to their roles.
The plot of *How to Rob a Bank* revolves around a group of robbers whose fame from daring heists inadvertently draws the attention of an experienced FBI agent and a skilled software engineer. Zoë Kravitz plays the role of the latter, recruited by the FBI to assist in capturing the bank robbers, highlighting the intertwining of technology and criminality within the narrative.
In addition to Hoult, Davidson and Kravitz, the film features performances from comedy veteran John C. Reilly, alongside Rhenzy Feliz, Christian Slater, Tati Gabrielle, Paul Sparks, Young Mazino, and Alessandra Frugoli. Together, the cast builds a gripping story that combines elements of humour with a serious examination of loss and desperation.
As the movie hits theatres, audiences can expect a blend of daring heists, emotional depths, and humorous performances. The film’s exploration of fatherhood and loss adds a poignant layer, making it relatable to a wide range of viewers.
In summarising his experiences and insights, Hoult’s reflections offer a glimpse into how personal experiences, particularly those as a father, can significantly influence an actor’s portrayal of complex characters. With its timely release, *How to Rob a Bank* not only promises entertainment but also sparks conversations around the lengths parents will go to for their children and the nature of grief.
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