X-Men Apocalypse is still a long way away, and concrete details on the film have been sparse. But with the story taking place in the 1980’s, and original X-Men making appearances, new young actors will be portraying familiar characters. For other Mutants, this will be their first time onscreen. Many of these roles have already been casted.
Sophie Turner as Jean Grey
Familiar to many as the face of Sansa Stark, Turner is a brilliant actress. Physically, she certainly fits the role. Though it is harder to judge how well she will fit the personality of Jean Grey. But after watching Turner play a helpless girl for the better part of her time on Game of Thrones, it will be refreshing to see her step into the skin of a character who harbors enormous power. However, this is a power she as yet to fully master; when describing this young Jean Grey producer Simon Kinberg said, “It’s fun to see someone struggling with their powers when you know one day they’ll become the most powerful person in the world.”
Kodi Smit-McPhee as Nightcrawler
Kodi Smit-McPhee has co-starred in The Road, voiced Norman Babcock in the animated film ParaNorman, and appeared in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. His most recent role is as Jay Cavendish in the film Slow West. In this role, he shared substantial screen time with Michael Fassbender (Magneto). Watching the chemistry between the two actors transition into the X-Men universe will be entertaining.
Nightcrawler’s father Azazel was incredibly exciting to watch in action during X-Men: First Class. Though Azazel is no longer alive, Nightcrawler’s mother, Mystique, will be appearing in Apocalypse, and watching the two of them in action will be thrilling. Especially if the Son shares the Father’s talent.
Tye Sheridan as Cyclops
Having appeared in Mud and the Tree of Life, Sheridan will now be playing a young Scott Summers. This casting is nearly perfect when one considers how closely he resembles James Marsden, who played Cyclops originally. Sheridan will transition seamlessly as a younger version of the character. Kinberg described this version as not quite “the squeaky-clean leader” we’ve come to know him as.
Alexandra Shipp as Storm
Not only an actress, but also a singer and songwriter. Shipp played KT Rush in the Nickelodeon series House of Anubis. Physically, her portrayal of Storm is a good pairing for Halle Berry’s. Though the character development may be taking a different path than the original movies did with Storm. Kinberg hinted at a darker, edgier origin for the weather-wielder, “Storm is a troubled character who is going down the wrong path in life.” Just how wrong that path is remains to be seen.
Channing Tatum as Gambit
This casting was heavily rumored before finally being confirmed by Producer Lauren Shuler-Donner. Gambit has been played by Taylor Kitsch in the past, and he could arguably still pass as a younger version of the character, but Tatum was eagerly sought after for the role this time around. Some have surmised that this means a larger part for the card-wielding rogue. Hopefully so, seeing as this Mutant’s limited screen time has been a thorn in many a fan’s side.
Oscar Isaac as Apocalypse
With roles in Ex Machina, Star Wars Episodes VII and VIII, and X-Men Apocalypse, Oscar Isaac has had a lot to juggle. He is a wonderful actor, but physically, he’s not exactly the hulking mass that is Apocalypse. There was talk of Tom Hardy being cast for the role, but that was eventually put aside. Shirking the man who played Bane for Isaac Oscar has led to speculation that Apocalypse will be less physically imposing than his comic book portrayal.
Lana Condor as Jubilee
The adopted daughter of Chicago Tribune writer Bob Condor, Lana is a talented dancer and a California Arts Scholar. Until now, her acting performances have been limited to high school plays such as Hairspray and Legally Blonde. But Bryan Singer’s confidence in her is reassuring.
Olivia Munn as Psylocke
Mann has played Sloan Sabbith in the HBO program The Newsroom. Originally this was intended to be a minor role, but show writer Aaron Sorkin said he was impressed with her work, and increased her character’s importance. She has worked with Channing Tatum (Gambit) before on the set of Magic Mike, and will also be appearing in Zoolander 2. Interestingly, this is not Munn’s first role in a super hero movie, she was the news reporter Chess Roberts in Iron Man 2.
Ben Hardy as Angel
Appearing in the British series EastEnders as Peter Beale seems to be Hardy’s only notable work. But he graduated from the Central School of Speech and Drama, earning a BA with Honors in Acting. Concept art has shown a more mechanical and less organic take on Angel. This, paired with Singer’s comment on the role, “Ben Hardy is Angel – I shall confirm for you! But he’s not a very nice Angel! And that’s all I’ll say”, has led to speculation that he will be one the four horsemen seen in the teaser. Regardless of who is on what side in the coming film, the new cast is promising indeed.
