The actor reflects on his isolating experience as the villain Apocalypse in the 2016 film
Category: Arts & Culture
Oscar Isaac, known for his roles in major franchises like Star Wars and Dune, has recently shared insights into his challenging experience playing the lead villain Apocalypse in the 2016 film X-Men: Apocalypse. Released in May 2016, the film marked Isaac's superhero movie debut, but the actor's time on set was far from easy.
In a candid interview, Isaac described the filming process as "excruciating," primarily due to the elaborate and heavy costume he had to wear. Weighing approximately 40 pounds, the costume made movement difficult and caused Isaac to overheat significantly. He explained that he often found himself isolated from his co-stars, including A-list actors Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender, and James McAvoy, because he spent most of his time in a cooling tent to manage the discomfort.
"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," Isaac recalled. He noted that interactions with his co-stars were brief, often limited to quick greetings as they passed by. "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," he added.
Isaac's reflections shed light on the often-overlooked challenges actors face when taking on physically demanding roles in blockbuster films. The elaborate costumes that bring these larger-than-life characters to the screen can impose serious physical and emotional burdens on the performers. In Isaac's case, the discomfort was compounded by the need to wear a cooling mechanism at all times and the restrictions of a specially-designed saddle that limited his mobility.
His experience was not unique. Fellow cast members also noted the difficulties he faced. In 2018, Isaac expressed his surprise at the extent of the discomfort, stating he had not anticipated being "encased in glue and latex" throughout filming. Tye Sheridan, who played Cyclops in the film, commented in 2021 that he "felt so bad" for Isaac, observing that he "just looked uncomfortable all the time." These sentiments highlight the physical toll that such roles can take on actors.
Though X-Men: Apocalypse received mixed reviews from fans and critics alike, Isaac's performance stood out, and his struggles have not overshadowed his successful career in the superhero genre. Following his time portraying Apocalypse, he found redemption in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with his acclaimed role as Moon Knight, which has also earned him a dedicated fanbase. Isaac's portrayal of the complex character has been well-received, and fans are eager to see him return in future MCU projects.
Meanwhile, the character of Apocalypse continues to resonate within the franchise. He is set to play a major role in the upcoming second season of the animated series X-Men '97, which aims to revive the beloved stories from the original 1990s cartoon.
Isaac's experience on X-Men: Apocalypse serves as a reminder of the personal sacrifices actors make to bring iconic characters to life. The physical demands of such roles can lead to isolation and discomfort, yet many actors embrace these challenges for the opportunity to work alongside esteemed colleagues and contribute to influential cinematic narratives.
Looking ahead, Oscar Isaac will continue to expand his repertoire. He is set to star alongside Carey Mulligan in the upcoming Netflix series Beef, with the second season premiering on April 6, 2026. Fans can also anticipate his return as Miguel O'Hara in the highly anticipated sequel to the animated film, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, which is scheduled for release on June 18, 2027.
As Isaac reflects on his time as Apocalypse, his comments resonate with both humor and sincerity, illustrating the unique challenges faced by actors in the superhero genre. His ability to navigate these difficulties speaks to his professionalism and to his commitment to the craft of acting. In a world where the visual spectacle often overshadows the human experience behind the scenes, Isaac's candid reflections provide a glimpse into the realities of life on set, reminding audiences that even the mightiest heroes face their own battles.