Considering that X-Men: Apocalypse is well over a year away from release, talk of who will appear in the mutant sequel continues to rile up intrigue. A few weeks back, a shortlist of actors reportedly in the running for roles hit the web, sending the rumor mill into overdrive. That wishlist included Saoirse Ronan, Sophie Turner, Tye Sheridan, Jamie Blackley and Taron Egerton, who were all thought to be testing for pivotal parts in the franchise. Following an interview with MTV UK, we can now strike that last name from the list, as Egerton confirms he won’t be in the movie.
Out on the press circuit to promote his latest movie, Kingsman: The Secret Service, the actor was asked about the X-Men chatter and if he was a favourable candidate. Alas, it seems he won’t be appearing after all:
“No, I’m not doing X-Men. Yeah, I love the X-Men films, and I love that franchise, and I love the people who make them on and off screen, so yeah, I’d love to one day sometime but in this instance that rumor’s unfounded.”
The up-and-coming Welsh actor has a rather hectic schedule for 2015, that goes someway to explaining why he may no longer be in contention. Originally expected to try out for the role of young Cyclops, Egerton would have donned Scott Summers’ bespoke specs and eventually won over the heart of Jean Grey. As it stands, he’s set to bathe in the afterglow of his brilliant performance in Kingsman, followed by the release of Kray brothers drama, Legend.
A closed door for Egerton, is an open door for the remaining names on the list, which means Sheridan or Blackley could be one step closer to nabbing the role. Who do you think should get it?
X-Men: Apocalypse opens on May 27th, 2016
