Deadline is reporting that despite rumors which suggested Idris Elba was in line to play the titular villain in X-Men: Apocalypse, 20th Century Fox has now closed a deal with Oscar Isaac for the role, making this the second big franchise that the actor has joined, following his upcoming part in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. He’ll star alongside returning cast members Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence, and Nicholas Hoult.
Originally named En Sabah Nur aka The First One, we got our first glimpse at Apocalypse during the post-credits scene of X-Men: Days of Future Past. Though plot details are still scarce, the film will take its cues from the Age of Apocalypse storyline, which is from the 1990s and focuses on “an immortal villain named Apocalypse who decides to reign havoc on the X-Men.”
Admittedly, Isaac wouldn’t have been my first pick for the role, and while I definitely would have preferred to see Elba take it, I’m still alright with the choice that the studio has made. Oscar Isaac is a very talented individual, and though I can’t really imagine him as a comic book villain, I’m definitely curious to see his take on the character and what he can bring to the franchise.
Production on X-Men: Apocalypse will begin this Spring with a release date pegged for May 27, 2016. Check out a gallery of the titular villain below (in case you’re unfamiliar with him) and let us know if you think Oscar Isaac is a good choice for the role.
