Who Plays Peter The Great In The Great
Okay, let's talk about The Great. It's a hilarious show, right? We all love the witty banter and the over-the-top drama. But there's one thing that's been bugging me. It's about who plays Peter the Great.
Everyone raves about Nicholas Hoult. They say he's brilliant. They say he's charming. They say he perfectly captures the complicated ruler. But, here's my unpopular opinion: I'm not entirely sold.
Is Nicholas Hoult Really the Perfect Peter?
Don't get me wrong, Hoult is a fantastic actor. He's great in everything. From About a Boy to Mad Max. He has an impressive career.
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But something about his portrayal of Peter feels... off. Maybe it's because he's almost too likable. I think it's because Peter was supposed to be the worst husband but too charming to hate.
He's Too... Cute?
Look, I know this is superficial. But hear me out! Peter the Great wasn't supposed to be cute. He was supposed to be imposing. He was supposed to be a bit scary.
Hoult has that boyish charm. It's hard to see him as a truly ruthless leader. I always wanted to punch him.

Maybe that's the point? Maybe the show wants us to be conflicted. But I still think someone else could have brought more grit to the role.
The Problem of Charm
Hoult's charm undermines the character's darkness. Peter does some terrible things. We shouldn't be able to easily brush them off.
The show wants to make you sympathize with Catherine. How can you be on her side when her tormentor is so charming? I think it's hard.
I'm not saying he's bad. I just think his inherent likability works against the story sometimes.

Who Else Could Have Played Peter?
Okay, so if not Nicholas Hoult, then who? This is where it gets tricky. We need someone with range.
Someone who can be funny and menacing. Someone who can nail both the comedic and dramatic moments. Someone who isn't just a beautiful heartthrob.
My Unsolicited Casting Suggestions
Maybe someone like Tom Hardy? He can be intense and charismatic. Imagine him screaming "Huzzah!"

Or perhaps Joaquin Phoenix? He has that unpredictable energy. He would bring a real danger to the role of Peter.
Okay, maybe those are a bit too serious. What about someone like Sacha Baron Cohen? He definitely has the comedic chops and the ability to be unhinged.
"Huzzah!" - Peter the Great
The beauty of The Great is that it plays fast and loose with history. So, why not cast someone who really challenges our expectations?
Ultimately, It's Just My Opinion
Look, I know I'm probably in the minority here. Most people seem to adore Nicholas Hoult as Peter. And that's totally fine.

This is just my personal take. It's based on my own interpretation of the character. And how he fits into the overall narrative.
Maybe I'm just being contrarian. Maybe I need to lighten up and enjoy the show for what it is. But I stand by my unpopular opinion.
So, what do you think? Am I crazy? Or do you secretly agree with me?
Let the debate begin! Maybe you will change my mind, I am open to that.
