David Leitch Reveals Nicholas Hoult Was His First Choice for ‘How to Rob a Bank’: “The Character Isn’t a Traditional Hero”

Ahead of the heist-comedy’s November 20 India theatrical release, the filmmaker opens up about casting Hoult as Ryan—the leader of a social-media-savvy crew of bank robbers—alongside Zoë Kravitz, Anna Sawai, and John C. Reilly.

Blending high-energy action, offbeat humour, and sharp drama, How to Rob a Bank brings together a star-studded ensemble led by Nicholas Hoult. Ahead of the film’s upcoming theatrical release in India, director David Leitch (Bullet Train, The Fall Guy) opened up about casting Hoult in the central role of Ryan, revealing that the acclaimed actor was always his top pick to anchor the story.

Explaining what made Hoult the ideal fit to lead the unconventional heist caper, David Leitch shared, “Nick (Nicholas) was our first choice. He’s one of those actors who can be incredibly charismatic while also carrying a real vulnerability. Ryan needed to be smart, idealistic, funny, frustrated and occasionally naïve – all at the same time. The character isn’t a traditional hero. He’s a young man trying to make sense of a system that feels stacked against him. Nick understood that immediately. He never played Ryan as a revolutionary or a genius. He played him as a human being who wants to believe things can be better.”

Written by Mark Bianculli, How to Rob a Bank follows a Pittsburgh-based crew of modern-day bank robbers—led by Hoult’s Ryan, aka “The Wolf”—who livestream and document their heists on social media while outmanoeuvring federal authorities. Alongside Hoult, the film features a powerhouse ensemble cast including Zoë Kravitz, Anna Sawai, Rhenzy Feliz, Christian Slater as Walton, Pete Davidson, and John C. Reilly.

Produced by Amazon MGM Studios alongside Imagine Entertainment and 87North Productions, How to Rob a Bank will be released in Indian cinemas by Sony Pictures Releasing International on November 20, 2026.

By Keerti Kadam