Oscar Isaac Reflects on 'Very Challenging' Experience as Apocalypse in 'X-Men: Apocalypse'

The actor opens up about the difficulties of filming the 2016 superhero movie due to his cumbersome costume.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:39pm

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An abstract close-up photograph showcasing the intricate, metallic textures and dramatic lighting of a futuristic costume piece, evoking the visual style and design of the Apocalypse character from the 'X-Men' films.The lavish, high-tech costume of the powerful mutant villain Apocalypse proved a challenging but visually striking element of the 2016 'X-Men' film.Los Angeles Today

Oscar Isaac, who played the lead villain Apocalypse in the 2016 film 'X-Men: Apocalypse', has opened up about the challenging experience of filming the movie. Isaac explained that he was often isolated from his co-stars like Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender, and James McAvoy due to having to spend most of his time in a cooling tent to stay comfortable in the heavy costume. The actor has previously described the shooting process as 'excruciating', though he was drawn to the project by the A-list cast.

Why it matters

Isaac's candid comments shed light on the difficulties actors can face when taking on physically demanding roles in major superhero films. While 'X-Men: Apocalypse' was a disappointment for many fans, Isaac's experience highlights the personal sacrifices and challenges that come with bringing these larger-than-life characters to life on the big screen.

The details

In a recent interview, Isaac explained that one of the main reasons he took the role of Apocalypse was the opportunity to work with an acclaimed cast including Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender, and James McAvoy. However, due to the cumbersome nature of his costume, Isaac said he was often isolated from his co-stars, spending most of his time in a 'cooling tent' to stay comfortable. He recalled instances where co-stars would briefly visit him on set, but he'd be unable to properly engage with them before they had to leave. Isaac has previously described the overall filming process as 'excruciating', though he was grateful for the cooling tent that helped him manage the challenging costume.

  • In 2016, Oscar Isaac played the lead villain Apocalypse in the 'X-Men: Apocalypse' film.
  • The movie was released in theaters in May 2016.

The players

Oscar Isaac

An acclaimed actor who has starred in major franchises like 'Star Wars' and 'Dune', and recently played the title role in the Marvel series 'Moon Knight'.

Jennifer Lawrence

An Oscar-winning actress who played the role of Mystique in the 'X-Men' film series.

Michael Fassbender

An acclaimed actor who portrayed the character of Magneto in the 'X-Men' films.

James McAvoy

An accomplished actor who played the role of Professor X in the 'X-Men' movie franchise.

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What they’re saying

“One of the big reasons I did the job, I was like, Fassbender? Jennifer Lawrence? McAvoy? All these amazing actors? Yeah! And then I never saw any of them because I was so overheated. And, like, I couldn't turn. So, I just got put in this cooling tent. Sometimes, someone would come by and be like, 'Hey Oscar,' I'd be like, 'huh?' And by the time I turned around, they were gone already. So, it was very challenging. But I am thankful for the cooling tent.”

— Oscar Isaac, Actor

What’s next

While Isaac's experience with 'X-Men: Apocalypse' was challenging, the actor has found redemption in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with his acclaimed performance as Moon Knight. Fans are hopeful to see the character return in future MCU projects. Meanwhile, the Apocalypse character will also play a major role in the upcoming second season of the animated series 'X-Men '97'.

The takeaway

Isaac's candid comments about the difficulties of playing Apocalypse highlight the personal sacrifices and physical demands that can come with bringing larger-than-life comic book characters to the screen. Despite the challenges, the actor's dedication and professionalism shone through, paving the way for his successful transition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the critically praised 'Moon Knight' series.