X-Men: Apocalypse — actors, roles and interesting facts about the shooting.

Stories about superheroes have always captivated. They are bright and the plot always grabs attention. However, twenty years ago these were just entertaining series with not such a large audience. 

Everything changed when the first 'X-Men' hit the screens. This franchise gained incredible popularity and some parts are still being released. Among the most interesting films is 'X-Men: Apocalypse' (2016). It became one of the most anticipated events in the superhero movie world. 

Main actors of 'X-Men: Apocalypse'

This is the ninth installment of the mutant franchise, based on Marvel comics. The film was directed by Bryan Singer, who had previously worked on several films in the series. The plot unfolds in 1983 when one of the oldest and most powerful mutants, Apocalypse, awakens on Earth and seeks to destroy human civilization and build a new world under his own leadership. He is opposed by familiar heroes — Professor X, Jean Grey, Beast, Magneto, and others, as well as new characters that reveal new facets of the story.

Overall, 'X-Men: Apocalypse' impresses not only with visual effects but also with a strong cast where each hero has their own drama, development, and internal conflict. It is not just a film about the struggle between good and evil — it is an epic about self-acceptance, the nature of power, responsibility, and choice. 

Olivia Munn 

Olivia Munn played one of the most mysterious yet dangerous characters — Psylocke, a mutant with telekinetic abilities who possesses a psychic blade. She became one of Apocalypse's 'Horsemen' and left a strong impression on the audience with her appearance.

In real life, Olivia Munn is an actress, model, and television host from the USA. She is known not only for her roles in sci-fi films, but also for her active civic position. She also starred in the series 'The Newsroom' and the comedy 'Office Christmas Party'. Her image was highly praised for her physical preparation — the actress performed some of the fight scenes herself and trained with martial arts coaches for a long Time.

Olivia Munn's Instagram.

Sophie Turner — Jean Grey

Sophie Turner, known to most viewers as Sansa Stark from 'Game of Thrones', played the young version of Jean Grey in 'X-Men' — a powerful mutant with telekinesis and telepathy. Her character has a deep psychological line, as Jean has been battling her inner demons and fear of her own power since childhood.

Turner started her acting career very early and gained worldwide fame as a teenager. Her participation in the film was a new challenge in her career as it was her first role as a superhero in a major blockbuster. Outside of filming, Sophie is an ambassador for several charitable initiatives, actively advocates for mental health, and recently married musician Joe Jonas.

Sophie Turner's Instagram.

Oscar Isaac — Apocalypse

Oscar Isaac transformed into the main antagonist — the ancient mutant Apocalypse, who believes that only the strong should survive. Although his face is almost completely hidden by makeup and special effects, the actor managed to convey the depth and charisma of this character.

Isaac is one of the most talented actors of his generation. He has starred in 'Ex Machina', 'Inside Llewyn Davis', 'Dune', and the 'Star Wars' trilogy. Born in Guatemala and raised in the USA, he gained recognition on both the theater stage and in film. The actor emphasizes that filming in the Apocalypse costume was physically exhausting, but the role became an important milestone for him.

Oscar Isaac's Instagram. 

Evan Peters — Peter Maximoff (Quicksilver)

Evan Peters continued his role as Peter Maximoff, or Quicksilver — a mutant with super speed. His scenes became some of the most beloved by audiences, particularly due to the humor, visual effects, and music accompanying the hero's movements.

Peters is also known for his work in the series 'American Horror Story', where he played dozens of diverse characters. The actor has a charismatic on-screen presence and the ability to play both tragic and comedic roles. In 2021, he won an 'Emmy' for his role in the series 'WandaVision', solidifying his reputation as a star of the Marvel universe.

Ben Hardy — Archangel

Ben Hardy embodied the image of Warren Kenneth Worthington III, better known as Archangel — one of the deadliest mutants in Apocalypse's arsenal. His wings with metallic feathers left a memorable impression on many comic fans even before the film was released.

The actor is originally from the UK, starting his career in theater and television, including the series EastEnders. After starring in 'X-Men', Hardy appeared in the biopic 'Bohemian Rhapsody', where he played Roger Taylor — the drummer of Queen. His acting range is constantly expanding, and he is increasingly appearing in major film projects.

Ben Hardy's Instagram.

Alexandra Shipp — Storm

Alexandra Shipp became the new embodiment of Storm — a powerful mutant who can control the weather. In this film, she is still very young and under Apocalypse's influence becomes one of his followers.

The actress began her career with roles in youth series and films, but her participation in 'X-Men' made her a notable figure in Hollywood. She also starred in 'Love, Simon', 'tick, tick... BOOM!', and the musical biopic 'Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B', where she played the lead role. Alexandra actively supports equality issues in Hollywood and advocates for the representation of black women in cinematography.

Alexandra Shipp's Instagram. 

James McAvoy — Professor X

James McAvoy returned to the role of Charles Xavier — Professor X, the mentor of young mutants and the main peacemaker in the world of 'X-Men'. In 'Apocalypse', he plays a version of the hero that is just beginning to build his school and team.

McAvoy is one of the most recognized actors of our time. A Scot by birth, he has starred in 'Atonement', 'Split', 'Glass', and 'The Last King of Scotland'. His deep acting technique and ability to convey the inner conflict of the hero made the image of Xavier maximally convincing. Outside of cinema, James participates in theatrical productions and is involved in charity work.

Rose Byrne — Moira MacTaggert

Rose Byrne played Moira MacTaggert — a CIA agent and an old acquaintance of Professor X. Her character is the only 'ordinary person' among the main heroes, emphasizing the importance of the human factor in this story.

The Australian actress is known for films such as 'Bridget Jones’s Baby', 'Spy', 'The Uninvited', 'Instant Family', and for TV series 'Physical' and 'Damages'. She often appears in various genre films — from dramas to comedies, making her a versatile actress. In real life, Byrne raises two children with her partner — actor Bobby Cannavale.

Jennifer Lawrence — Mystique

Jennifer Lawrence once again transformed into one of her most famous roles — the mutant Mystique (Raven Darkholme). In this film, her character is no longer just a mysterious shapeshifter but a true leader, becoming an example for young mutants. Mystique is an important voice of resistance, and her image in 'Apocalypse' has significantly evolved compared to previous installments.

Jennifer is an Oscar winner for the film 'Silver Linings Playbook' and a star of the 'Hunger Games' franchise. Lawrence actively advocates for women's rights, supports initiatives for equal pay in Hollywood, and has her own production company. During the filming, she admitted that the complex makeup of Mystique was a great challenge, but still agreed to return to the role that became symbolic for her career.

Lana Condor — Jubilee

In 'Apocalypse', viewers saw the younger version of the mutant Jubilee, played by Lana Condor. Although her role was not central, the presence of this character sparked interest among comic fans, as Jubilee is one of the favorites among Marvel readers. She has the ability to generate energy 'fireworks' and often appeared in comics as Wolverine's partner.

Lana Condor is an American actress of Vietnamese descent. She became a breakout star after her role in the romantic hit Netflix 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before', where she played the lead character Lara Jean. Outside of cinema, she is involved in charity work, painting and actively manages her social media where she shares moments from her life and career.

Lana Condor's Instagram.

Lucas Till — Havok

Lucas Till returned to the role of Alex Summers, better known as Havok. His character can emit powerful plasma waves from his body. In 'Apocalypse', Havok becomes a key player in the battle against the main antagonist, and his storyline has a tragic undertone.

The actor started with roles in teen films and later became known for his participation in the reboot of 'MacGyver'. Lucas possesses notable charisma and deep emotional play, allowing him to fit organically in dramas as well as action films. Till has repeatedly emphasized that for him, the role of Havok was not just a job, but a true emotional investment.

Lucas Till's Instagram. 

Michael Fassbender — Magneto

Michael Fassbender brilliantly embodied the image of Erik Lensherr, or Magneto. His character in the film undergoes personal tragedy, losing his family, which drives him to cooperate with Apocalypse. This is one of the most complex and tragic characters in the franchise, constantly balancing between good and evil.

Fassbender is a German-Irish actor known for his roles in films such as 'Hunger', '12 Years a Slave', 'Shame', and 'Steve Jobs'. His depth in acting is impressive — he can make even the harshest character sympathetic. In real life, he is married to actress Alicia Vikander. His Magneto is more than a supervillain; he is a man crushed by loss yet strong in his ideology.

Monique Ganderton — Death

Monique Ganderton played the role of one of Apocalypse's Horsemen — a mutant with the codename Death. This character did not have many scenes, but was visually very impressive. Monique embodied a dark and mysterious energy that perfectly fit the film's atmosphere.

Before this project, the actress was more known as a model and participated in some television shows. 'X-Men: Apocalypse' became her chance to showcase herself in big cinema. After participating in the project, she began to work more actively on her acting career, although her social media profile is more lifestyle and fashion-oriented.

Monique Ganderton's Instagram. 

Josh Helman — William Stryker

Josh Helman played the role of William Stryker — a military figure who has repeatedly opposed mutants in the franchise. In the film, his character continues to experiment on superhumans, trying to use them as weapons.

Helman is an Australian actor who also starred in 'Mad Max: Fury Road' and 'Jack Reacher'. His role as Stryker is a continuation of the theme of fear of the unknown that humanity carries in its opposition to mutants. The actor successfully embodied a cold yet realistic character who believes his actions are necessary for the safety of the world.