The action film '' Collide '' , which had Hoult star as a drug dealer , was released in the United States in February 2017 to a poor response from audiences and critics . The film garnered negative reviews ; its dismal box office performance was attributed to poor marketing and multiple delays caused by the 2015 chapter 11 bankruptcy of its production company Relativity Media . '' Forbes '' Scott Mendelson analysed the film 's failure and said Hoult did not necessarily have enough " star power " to draw audiences . He also responded negatively to Felicity Jones ' casting as a damsel in distress , which he said further damaged the film 's chances of success . He highlighted the misogyny and sense of entitlement in the entertainment industry , writing that director Eran Creevy and Hoult would get better offers despite the failure of films like '' Collide '' , as opposed to the women and other minority groups , who are either ignored or stereotyped . Responses to Hoult 's next film , the romance drama '' Newness '' , were more enthusiastic . The production had its world premiere at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival ; it stars Hoult and Laia Costa as a Los Angeles-based couple who meet through online dating and begin an open relationship . Drake Doremus , the film 's director , said Hoult 's role was unlike his previous work ; " a very complex and emotionally mature performance that we have n't seen yet "
2017 Sundance Film Festival
2017 Sundance Film Festival
Nicholas Hoult