Nicholas Hoult initially thought there had been some sort of misunderstanding when Clint Eastwood expressed interest in him for a main role in his upcoming film. The project, titled “Juror #2,” is a sophisticated legal thriller that delves into the moral struggles of an ordinary individual facing extraordinary situations. However, as their conversation unfolded, it became clear to Hoult that Eastwood genuinely wanted him to be a part of the film, which is set to hit theaters this Friday.

Feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety, the British actor recalled his nervousness during the phone call, stating, “I really like the script,” and hoping to leave a positive impression on the legendary director. Eastwood eased the tension with his signature dry humor, playfully responding, “If you like it so much, I guess I’ll have to read it.” This moment broke the ice and allowed Hoult to appreciate Eastwood’s approachable personality, remarking, “He’s got a great sense of humor and we’re going to get along.”

At 94 years old, Clint Eastwood remains a towering figure in Hollywood, capable of leaving even seasoned actors feeling awestruck. “Juror #2,” the director’s 42nd film, has received favorable reviews for its thoughtful take on an intense moral conundrum set in a courtroom. The narrative centers around Hoult’s character, a recovering alcoholic anticipating the birth of his first child, as he is summoned for jury duty in a murder trial. As new evidence surfaces, he grapples with disturbing memories that raise the unsettling possibility of his own involvement in the case.

In an email, Eastwood reflected on what drew him to the script by Jonathan Abrams, stating, “It made me think about what would you do if you were put in this situation? What is right? What is wrong? Who would you protect? A true moral dilemma. That’s something I’d want to watch.” He also began to assemble a talented ensemble cast, featuring Hoult as the lead, alongside Toni Collette portraying the driven prosecutor, Chris Messina as the public defender, and J.K. Simmons as a fellow juror. Additionally, Kiefer Sutherland expressed a strong desire to collaborate with Eastwood, inspired by his late father’s previous work with the director.

Sutherland, who played a lawyer and AA sponsor to Hoult’s character, felt a compelling need to take this opportunity as time seemed to be slipping away. “I’ve always dreamed of working with you and if there is a part, any part, I would just like to be able to watch you direct,” he conveyed. Although his role was minor, Sutherland described the experience as an educational one, filled with admiration for Eastwood’s calm and steady directorial style.

Throughout his time on set, Sutherland recounted a moment when an assistant director attempted to guide him. Eastwood’s intervention, reassuring the assistant that Sutherland “knows what he’s doing,” made a memorable impact on the actor. “It made my life,” he said, expressing gratitude for the timing of their collaboration, believing he would have been overwhelmed had he worked with Eastwood years earlier.

Collette echoed similar sentiments regarding Eastwood’s non-pressuring directorship. “He’s so confident as a director, but not in a negative way,” she noted, appreciating the open atmosphere Eastwood fostered on set. Their reunion marked a special moment for Collette, who shared the screen with Hoult as his mother in 2002’s “About a Boy,” reminiscing about their dynamic two decades later.

Eastwood is known for his legendary efficiency in filmmaking, often preferring to get through takes quickly. To ensure their performances were seamless, Hoult and his co-stars discreetly rehearsed rather than risk disrupting the flow during filming. “He’s not efficient for the sake of being efficient,” Sutherland pointed out, highlighting Eastwood’s unique ability to see the simplest and most effective way to capture a scene.

Speculation surrounds whether “Juror #2” may be Eastwood’s final work, but he has not explicitly stated that it is. When the production faced a hiatus due to the actor’s strike, Eastwood remained proactive, seeking out fresh material during the break. “What did you do? And he was like, ‘Well, I was looking for new material,’” Collette recounted. Ultimately, the notion of this being Eastwood’s last film seems premature, with Sutherland confidently quipping about Eastwood’s continued presence at Warner Bros.