Why Apocalypse Deserves a Standalone X-Men Film in 2026
Could a gripping origin story for Apocalypse, Marvel’s ancient mutant villain, finally give the X-Men universe the depth it needs? Discover why this overlooked character is ripe for a cinematic revival.
For 2026, there’s one cinematic wish that stands out: a proper origin story for Apocalypse, the X-Men’s most underappreciated adversary. As one of Marvel’s earliest and most formidable antagonists, Apocalypse is driven by a belief in survival of the fittest, using advanced technology and body-swapping to endure through the ages. His ambition to reshape civilisation with his four horsemen has always set him apart from the usual roster of comic book villains.
The Case for an Apocalypse Origin Story
Apocalypse is not only Marvel’s first mutant but also boasts Egyptian heritage intertwined with celestial lore. A dedicated film would enrich the backstory of the X-Men, offering a deeper exploration of their roots on Earth—something that feels increasingly necessary as these characters transition into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Transporting audiences back to ancient Egypt, around 3600 BC, the narrative could focus on En Sabah Nur, the god-like figure who would become Apocalypse. His philosophy often stands in stark contrast to the X-Men’s own ideals about evolution and progress. There’s ample opportunity for visually striking moments, and the potential for a villain of Thanos’ calibre to challenge the X-Men is undeniable. The time seems right for a villain-led film on the scale of Joker, setting a new trend in the genre.
Reflecting on Oscar Isaac’s Portrayal
It’s impossible to discuss Apocalypse without recalling the 2016 film, which saw Oscar Isaac take on the role. Following the success of Days of Future Past, expectations were high, with a strong cast and a director with previous form in the franchise. However, the result was less than stellar. The film, helmed by Bryan Singer, reduced Apocalypse to a rather generic antagonist, echoing Thanos’ motives but lacking the nuance or impact.
The film’s details are as follows:
Title: X-Men: Apocalypse
Release Year: 2016
Director: Bryan Singer
Writers: Simon Kinberg, Bryan Singer, Michael Dougherty
Franchise: X-Men (20th Century Fox series)
Sequel To: X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
Genre: Superhero, Action, Sci-Fi
Runtime: 144 minutes
Main Villain: Apocalypse (En Sabah Nur)
Villain Actor: Oscar Isaac
Primary Setting: 1983, mainly USA (with global locations)
Plot Premise: The ancient mutant Apocalypse awakens and seeks to cleanse the world by recruiting powerful mutants, forcing the X-Men to unite to stop him.
Notable Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Sophie Turner
Reception and the Need for Redemption
The reception was mixed at best, a significant letdown after the previous film had managed to unite fans across generations. The subsequent sequel, Dark Phoenix, only deepened the franchise’s woes. Apocalypse, as a character, was left underdeveloped and failed to make the impact he deserved.
Would audiences embrace a film dedicated solely to Apocalypse’s journey? The appetite for a fresh take on villain-led stories is certainly there, and the X-Men universe could benefit from a more nuanced exploration of its most ancient foe.
X-Men: Apocalypse is available to stream on Disney+ in the UK.
Joker can be found on HBO Max for UK viewers.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire