X-Men: Apocalypse#Sequel

In 3600 BC, the aged but powerful mutant En Sabah Nur rules ancient Egypt. Following a ceremony in which his consciousness is transferred into another man's body in order to gain his healing factor, he and his four followers, the Horsemen of Apocalypse, are betrayed by conspirators. In the process, his followers are killed and he is entombed alive.

In 1983, Scott Summers manifests his mutant powers to shoot concussive kinetic energy blasts from his eyes, so his older brother Alex takes him to Professor Charles Xavier's educational institute, hoping that Xavier and Hank McCoy will teach him to control his mutation. Scott meets and befriends Jean Grey upon arriving. In Egypt, En Sabah Nur is awakened by Moira MacTaggert while following a group of worshippers. He meets a mutant who can control weather, Ororo Munroe, and learns about humanity. Determined that humanity has lost its way, he plans to remake the world. Ororo becomes his follower after he enhances her power.

Meanwhile, in Communist Poland, Erik Lehnsherr lives happily with his wife Magda and daughter Nina. During the worldwide disturbances caused by En Sabah Nur's reawakening, Lehnsherr uses his powers to save a coworker during an earthquake, alerting the Milicja Obywatelska. They hold his daughter hostage in the forest to lure him into turning himself in. As tensions rise, Nina heartbrokenly demonstrates her animal communication mutant powers, and the police accidentally kill her and her mother in the ensuing confusion. In despair, Lehnsherr kills the police. In East Berlin, shape-shifting mutant Raven, revered as a mutant hero following the attack on Washington, D.C., rescues Kurt Wagner from a cage fight and requests black marketeer Caliban to transport Kurt to America. He reveals Lehnsherr's situation to her, leading Raven to take Kurt and request Xavier to find and rescue Lehnsherr. En Sabah Nur recruits Caliban's assistant Psylocke and another cage fighter Angel, and enhances both of their powers.

En Sabah Nur finds Lehnsherr and takes him back to Auschwitz, showing him the true extent of his powers; Lehnsherr destroys the camp and joins En Sabah Nur. When Xavier contacts Lehnsherr, En Sabah Nur remotely accesses Cerebro and forces Xavier to make countries launch their nuclear arsenals into space to prevent interference. He and his Four Horsemen arrive at the mansion and kidnap Xavier. Alex attempts to stop them but causes an explosion that destroys the mansion. Peter Maximoff, having learned he is Lehnsherr's biological son, arrives and uses his super-speed to evacuate everyone except Alex, who is considered missing-in-action in the explosion before his arrival. Colonel William Stryker's forces, believing Xavier to be responsible, capture McCoy, Raven, Peter, and MacTaggert, and take them for interrogation. Scott, Jean, and Kurt secretly follow them and liberate their comrades using Stryker's experiment Weapon X, whose memories Jean partially restores.

Lehnsherr uses his powers to alter the Earth's magnetic field, causing destruction across the planet. En Sabah Nur plans to transfer his consciousness into Xavier's body to gain his psychic powers. Xavier sends a telepathic distress call to Jean and the others, who travel to Cairo to battle En Sabah Nur and his Four Horsemen. They rescue Xavier and flee in a plane. When Angel and Psylocke attack the plane, Kurt teleports his friends away. Psylocke manages to jump safely and escape, but Angel is killed in the plane crash.

Lehnsherr and Ororo turn on En Sabah Nur and keep him occupied physically with Scott's help while Xavier fights him telepathically in the astral plane. Xavier begs Jean to unleash the full strength of her abilities, and she incinerates En Sabah Nur. Xavier restores MacTaggert's memory and they reconcile. Lehnsherr and Jean help reconstruct the school, but Lehnsherr turns down Xavier's offer to stay and help teach; Peter decides not to tell Lehnsherr yet about their relationship. Using confiscated Sentinels,{{cite web|url=http://screenrant.com/xmen-apocalypse-movie-easter-eggs/?view=all|title=X-Men: Apocalypse Easter Eggs & Secret Details|author=Andrew Dyce|date=May 28, 2016|website=Screen Rant|access-date=March 7, 2017|archive-date=April 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405074205/https://screenrant.com/xmen-apocalypse-movie-easter-eggs/?view=all|url-status=live}} McCoy and Raven train the new X-Men recruits: Scott, Jean, Ororo, Kurt, and Peter.

In a post-credits scene, vials of Weapon X's blood are placed in a briefcase belonging to the Essex Corporation.

{{Tall image|Cast of X-Men Apocalypse.jpg|150|675|The cast of X-Men: Apocalypse at the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con. From top to bottom: McAvoy, Fassbender, Lawrence, Isaac, Hoult, Munn, Peters, Smit-McPhee, Turner, Sheridan, Shipp, Condor, Till, and Hardy}}

• James McAvoy as Professor Charles Xavier:
  A pacifistic mutant and the world's most powerful telepath, who is the founder of Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters and leads the team of mutants known as the X-Men, in order to protect humankind and battle against the deadly enemy within. During the latter part of the film's production, McAvoy shaved his head for the role.{{cite news |series=X-Men: Apocalypse |title=James McAvoy goes bald for Professor X |url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/james-mcavoy-bald-professor-x-men-apocalypse-photo-1201491739/ |access-date=July 14, 2015 |magazine=Variety |date=May 9, 2015 |archive-date=July 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715080322/http://variety.com/2015/film/news/james-mcavoy-bald-professor-x-men-apocalypse-photo-1201491739/ |url-status=live }}
• Michael Fassbender as Erik Lehnsherr / Magneto:
  A mutant Auschwitz survivor with the ability to control magnetic fields and manipulate metal, who was once Xavier's closest ally and best friend, until his belief that mankind and mutantkind would never coexist led to their separation. He is globally infamous for attempting to assassinate U.S. President Richard Nixon on live broadcast 10 years prior.
• Bill Milner appears in archival footage as a Young Erik.
• Jennifer Lawrence as Raven / Mystique:
  A mutant with shapeshifting abilities, globally renowned for saving Nixon's life 10 years prior. She was once Xavier's closest ally and his adoptive sister. Lawrence said, "she hears about what happened to Erik and she wants to seek him out and help him".{{cite magazine |last=Stack |first=Tim |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/07/15/x-men-apocalypse-first-look-new-generation-ew |series=X-Men: Apocalypse |title=First look at the new generation in EW |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=July 16, 2015 |access-date=September 3, 2015 |archive-date=September 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904223415/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/07/15/x-men-apocalypse-first-look-new-generation-ew |url-status=live }}
• Nicholas Hoult as Hank McCoy / Beast:
  A mutant with leonine attributes, prehensile feet and superhuman physical abilities. Hank acts as a teacher in Xavier's school and he builds inventions for troubled students. He also built the X-Jet.{{cite web |series=X-Men: Apocalypse |title=Over 75 things to know about the sequel |url=https://collider.com/x-men-apocalypse-news-things-to-know/ |website=Collider |date=January 21, 2016 |access-date=January 22, 2016 |language=en-US |archive-date=January 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123011640/http://collider.com/x-men-apocalypse-news-things-to-know/ |url-status=live }}
• Oscar Isaac as En Sabah Nur / Apocalypse:
  Born in ancient times, and presumably the world's first mutant, he has a variety of destructive superhuman abilities, including telekinesis, telepathy, technopathy, teleportation, force-field generation, and the ability to augment other mutants' abilities, as a result of being able to amass powers when transferring his consciousness from one body to another. Isaac described Nur as the "creative-slash-destructive force of the Earth". He added, "When things start to go awry, or when things seem like they're not moving towards evolution, [En Sabah Nur] destroys those civilizations." Isaac had to go through extensive makeup and prosthetics applications, and wore high-heeled boots to appear taller and a 40-pound suit. The full costume was uncomfortable, particularly in the humid environment of the outdoor scenes, which forced Isaac to go to a cooling tent between takes. Nur's previous old-form (seen at the beginning of the film) was played by Berdj Garabedian, a 70-year-old Canadian real estate agent, and avid silver screen fan in his first credited film role.{{cite web |url=http://montreal.ctvnews.ca/montreal-real-estate-agent-gets-big-break-in-x-men-apocalypse-1.2951662 |title=Montreal real estate agent gets big break in X-Men: Apocalypse |date=June 18, 2016 |website=CTV Montreal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619140026/http://montreal.ctvnews.ca/montreal-real-estate-agent-gets-big-break-in-x-men-apocalypse-1.2951662|archive-date=2016-06-19|url-status=dead |access-date=June 19, 2016}}
• Rose Byrne as Moira MacTaggert:
  A CIA operative who first met and developed feelings for Xavier in X-Men: First Class (2011), where he wiped portions of her memories of him and the X-Men at the end. Simon Kinberg said they are "essentially, strangers" when they meet in this film.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/01/30/x-men-apocalypse-rose-byrne-returning-moira-mactaggert-exclusive |series=X-Men: Apocalypse |title=Rose Byrne returning as Moira MacTaggert — Exclusive |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=January 30, 2015 |access-date=January 31, 2015 |last=Franich |first=Darren |archive-date=March 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317062819/http://ew.com/article/2015/01/30/x-men-apocalypse-rose-byrne-returning-moira-mactaggert-exclusive/ |url-status=live }}
• Evan Peters as Peter Maximoff / Quicksilver:
  A mutant who can move, think, and perceive at hypersonic speeds, and the son of Magneto.{{cite web |url=https://www.joblo.com/movie-news/meet-the-x-men-apocalypse-cast-storm-magneto-cyclops-psylocke-more-943 |title=Meet the X-Men: Apocalypse cast: Storm, Magneto, Cyclops, Psylocke, & more! |website=JoBlo.com |date=January 21, 2016 |first=Paul |last=Shirey |access-date=January 28, 2016 |archive-date=January 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122161149/http://www.joblo.com/movie-news/meet-the-x-men-apocalypse-cast-storm-magneto-cyclops-psylocke-more-943 |url-status=live |quote=Describing the relationship between Quicksilver and Magneto, Peters stated, "I have learned that he's my father at this point and I am trying to ... I don't know what I can say. I'm trying to ... Yeah. It's like an adoptive child or any kind of child who has a strange father trying to ... He knows who he is now so he is trying to find him. He's been searching for him. It's been 10 years and he hasn't found him and then something happens."}}
• Josh Helman as Col. William Stryker:
  A military officer who hates mutants and has, in the ten years since Days of Future Past, been developing his own plans for resolving "the mutant problem".
• Sophie Turner as Jean Grey:
  A mutant who is scared of her telepathic and telekinetic power, and one of Charles Xavier's most prized students. Turner states that she was cast in the film because of the "dark side" of her character Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones (2011-2019). She compared Jean to Sansa and described being an outcast in the human world who struggles with her power and gift, the same way Sansa, who wanted to live a normal life, felt.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/02/10/game-of-thrones-sophie-turner-says-she-was-cast-as-jean-grey-in-x-men-thanks-to-dark-sansa |title=Game of Thrones' Sophie Turner says she was cast as Jean Grey in X-Men thanks to "Dark Sansa" |date=February 10, 2015 |access-date=August 2, 2015 |last=Nicholson |first=Max |archive-date=July 31, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150731221009/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/02/10/game-of-thrones-sophie-turner-says-she-was-cast-as-jean-grey-in-x-men-thanks-to-dark-sansa |url-status=live }} Turner learned archery in preparation for the role.{{cite web |url=http://www.designntrend.com/articles/54654/20150617/x-men-apocalypse-cast-photo-sophie-turner-jean-grey-role-jennifer-lawrence-character-katniss-everdeen.htm |title=X-Men: Apocalypse cast photo: Sophie Turner prepares for Jean Grey role by imitating Jennifer Lawrence character Katniss Everdeen |website=Design & Trend |date=June 17, 2015 |access-date=June 18, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618214808/http://www.designntrend.com/articles/54654/20150617/x-men-apocalypse-cast-photo-sophie-turner-jean-grey-role-jennifer-lawrence-character-katniss-everdeen.htm |archive-date=June 18, 2015 |df=mdy-all}}
• Tye Sheridan as Scott Summers / Cyclops:
  A mutant who fires destructive optic beams and wears a ruby visor or sunglasses to stabilize and contain them, and who is the younger brother of Havok. Sheridan describes Cyclops as "angry and a bit lost". He added, "He's now learning about being a mutant and trying to handle his powers."{{cite web |last=Sharf |first=Zack |title=Tye Sheridan on getting locked up in Stanford Prison Experiment and joining the X-Men |url=https://www.indiewire.com/article/tye-sheridan-on-getting-locked-up-in-stanford-prison-experiement-and-joining-the-x-men |website=IndieWire |access-date=August 30, 2015 |date=July 24, 2015 |archive-date=August 28, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150828115340/http://www.indiewire.com/article/tye-sheridan-on-getting-locked-up-in-stanford-prison-experiement-and-joining-the-x-men |url-status=live }}
• Lucas Till as Alex Summers / Havok:
  A mutant who has the ability to absorb energy and release it with destructive force from his body, and the older brother of Cyclops.
• Kodi Smit-McPhee as Kurt Wagner / Nightcrawler:
  A German{{cite web |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/07/15/x-men-apocalypse-meet-new-mutants |series=X-Men: Apocalypse |title=Meet the new mutants |website=Entertainment Weekly's EW.com |access-date=February 19, 2020 |archive-date=May 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200517202044/https://ew.com/article/2015/07/15/x-men-apocalypse-meet-new-mutants/ |url-status=live }} teleporting mutant and one of Charles Xavier's new students. Singer said Nightcrawler is a source of comic relief.{{cite web |url=http://nerdreactor.com/2015/07/17/x-men-apocalypse-stills-storm-etc/ |title=Storm, Jean Grey, Nightcrawler, Armor, and Cyclops in new X-Men: Apocalypse stills |website=Nerd Reactor |date=July 17, 2015 |access-date=July 21, 2015 |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405204047/https://nerdreactor.com/2015/07/17/x-men-apocalypse-stills-storm-etc/ |url-status=dead }}
• Ben Hardy as Angel:
  A mutant with bird-like feathered wings who gains metallic wings that can shoot razor sharp feather-projectiles, similar to his Archangel counterpart in the comics. Hardy practiced indoor skydiving in preparation for his role.{{cite web |url=http://www.screengonzo.com/2015/06/01/x-men-double-shot-angel-takes-flight-and-lucas-till-talks-wolverine-and-vulcan/ |title=X-Men double shot: Angel takes flight and Lucas Till talks Wolverine and Vulcan |website=Screen Gonzo |date=June 1, 2015 |access-date=May 27, 2016 |archive-date=October 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026125548/http://www.screengonzo.com/2015/06/01/x-men-double-shot-angel-takes-flight-and-lucas-till-talks-wolverine-and-vulcan/ |url-status=dead }}
• Alexandra Shipp as Ororo Munroe / Storm:
  A young mutant orphan who can control weather. Storm is discovered by Apocalypse in Cairo. Shipp partially shaved her head to sport a Mohawk for the role.{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.com/x-men-apocalypse-first-look-apocalypse-psylockes-costume-storm-seen-mohawk-2013251 |series=X-Men: Apocalypse |title=First look at Apocalypse and Psylocke's costume; Storm seen with a mohawk |first=Sonalee |last=Singh |date=July 17, 2015 |website=International Business Times |access-date=July 28, 2015 |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405204049/https://www.ibtimes.com/x-men-apocalypse-first-look-apocalypse-psylockes-costume-storm-seen-mohawk-2013251 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://za.ign.com/x-men-apocalypse-1/92730/news/x-men-apocalypse-hi-res-images-released |title=X-Men: Apocalypse hi-res images released |first=Michael |last=Martin |website=IGN Africa |date=July 23, 2015 |access-date=July 28, 2015 |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405074203/https://za.ign.com/x-men-apocalypse-1/92730/news/x-men-apocalypse-hi-res-images-released |url-status=live }}
• Lana Condor as Jubilee:
  A mutant student at Charles's school who has the ability to create psionic energy plasmoids.{{cite web |title=Lana Condor's armor in X-Men: Apocalypse: New powers, old costume |url=http://www.themarysue.com/Armor-x-men-apocalypse/ |website=The Mary Sue |access-date=January 22, 2016 }}{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Discussing her first day on X-Men: Apocalypse, Condor says, "I was very new and it was my first role. I'd never been on a set before or in front of a camera, so I didn't know what to expect. The first day we shot scenes in an 80s-themed mall with hundreds of extras in 80s gear, plus crew and cameras. It was surreal ... It's a lot easier when you have the costume, as that helps bring everything to life. She has her iconic yellow jacket, which is a staple. It's very bold and confident, like her. A lot of her costumes are super 80s. I also listened to music from the 80s and that helped."Performer: Summer 2016{{full citation needed|date=March 2020}}
• Olivia Munn as Psylocke:
  A mutant with psionic abilities. Her abilities include projecting purple psychic energy, usually into the form of an energy blade that can burn through metal. Munn described Psylocke as "very lethal, very powerful and very strong".{{cite magazine |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/07/17/xmen-apocalypse-star-olivia-munn-psylocke-latex-costume |title=X-Men: Apocalypse star Olivia Munn on Psylocke's latex costume |last=Stack |first=Tim |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=July 17, 2015 |access-date=July 23, 2015 |archive-date=July 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150719151402/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/07/17/xmen-apocalypse-star-olivia-munn-psylocke-latex-costume |url-status=live }} She practiced sword fighting in preparation for the role.{{cite web |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/454677-x-men-apocalypse-star-olivia-munn-shows-off-sword-skills#/slide/1 |title=X-Men: Apocalypse star Olivia Munn shows off sword skills |website=ComingSoon.net |date=June 28, 2015 |access-date=June 29, 2015 |archive-date=June 30, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630220042/http://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/454677-x-men-apocalypse-star-olivia-munn-shows-off-sword-skills#/slide/1 |url-status=live }}

Additionally, Carolina Bartczak and T.J. McGibbon play Erik’s wife Magda and mutant daughter Nina, respectively. Tómas Lemarquis portrays Caliban,{{cite web |date=17 October 2016 |last1=McMillan |first1=Graeme |title=What Caliban's Return in 'Logan' Means for the 'X-Men' Universe |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/who-is-caliban-history-stephen-938974/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter |quote=Tomas Lemarquis played him in this summer's X-Men: Apocalypse |access-date=June 3, 2022 |archive-date=June 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603204338/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/who-is-caliban-history-stephen-938974/ |url-status=live }} a mutant with the ability to sense and track other mutants, and wrestler "Giant" Gustav Claude Ouimet plays The Blob, Angel's opponent in an underground fight club.{{cite web |url=https://comicbook.com/marvel/2016/04/23/first-look-at-the-blob-in-x-men-apocalypse/ |title=First look at The Blob in X-Men: Apocalypse |access-date=February 19, 2020 |archive-date=June 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611094227/http://comicbook.com/marvel/2016/04/23/first-look-at-the-blob-in-x-men-apocalypse/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://whatculture.com/wwe/xmen-apocalypse-features-a-cameo-only-hardcore-wrestling-fans-will-recognise/ |title=X-Men: Apocalypse features a cameo only hardcore wrestling fans will recognize |website=What Culture |date=May 26, 2016 |access-date=May 26, 2016 |archive-date=August 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820055201/https://whatculture.com/wwe/xmen-apocalypse-features-a-cameo-only-hardcore-wrestling-fans-will-recognise |url-status=live }} Monique Ganderton, Warren Scherer, Rochelle Okoye, and Fraser Aitcheson play Apocalypse's prior lieutenants, Death, Pestilence, Famine, and War respectively. Zehra Leverman reprised her role as Quicksilver's mother, Ms. Maximoff.{{cite web |url=https://globalnews.ca/video/2944368/x-men-apocalypse-star-carolina-bartczak-on-working-with-michael-fassbender |title=X-Men: Apocalypse star Carolina Bartczak on working with Michael Fassbender |agency=Global News |website=GobalNews.ca |place=Canada |date=September 16, 2016 |access-date=February 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328010851/https://globalnews.ca/video/2944368/x-men-apocalypse-star-carolina-bartczak-on-working-with-michael-fassbender |archive-date=March 28, 2019 |url-status=live}}

Hugh Jackman makes an uncredited appearance as Logan / Wolverine, in his Weapon X form. In that same scene, director Bryan Singer cameos as a guard who is killed by Wolverine as he attempts to escape the complex.{{cite web |url=http://www.movienewsguide.com/bryan-singer-wolverine-x-men-apocalypse/220874 |title=Bryan Singer killed By Wolverine in X-Men: Apocalypse cameo |last=Banswal |first=Deepansha |date=June 12, 2016 |website=Movie News Guide |access-date=June 13, 2016 |archive-date=August 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823072050/http://www.movienewsguide.com/bryan-singer-wolverine-x-men-apocalypse/220874 |url-status=dead }} X-Men co-creator Stan Lee and his wife Joan B. Lee make a cameo appearance together, as bystanders witnessing the launch of nuclear missiles worldwide; this was Joan's last film before her death the following year.{{cite news |title=Joan Lee, wife of Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee, dies at 95 |last=Lewis |first=Andy |newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter |date=July 6, 2017 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/joan-lee-dead-wife-marvel-comics-legend-stan-lee-was-95-1018951 |access-date=January 28, 2018 |archive-date=July 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731194813/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/joan-lee-dead-wife-marvel-comics-legend-stan-lee-was-95-1018951 |url-status=live }} Željko Ivanek cameos as a Pentagon scientist.{{cite web |title=Zeljko Ivanek Filmography |url=https://www.fandango.com/people/zeljko-ivanek-310766/film-credits |website=Fandango |access-date=January 28, 2018 |archive-date=March 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210317103406/https://www.fandango.com/people/zeljko-ivanek-310766/film-credits |url-status=live }}

Journalist Jessica Savitch and actors Leslie Parrish and Michael Forest (appearing in footage with dialogue from the 1967 Star Trek episode "Who Mourns for Adonais?") also appear in cameos.{{cite web |title=X-Men: Apocalypse - the one-minute Star Trek |date=June 17, 2016 |url=http://waltermetz.com/x-men-apocalypse/ |website=WalterMetz.com |access-date=January 28, 2018 |archive-date=April 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420090546/http://waltermetz.com/x-men-apocalypse/ |url-status=live }}

X-Men: Apocalypse was announced by Bryan Singer in December 2013 via Twitter, before X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) was released to theaters.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/release-date-announced-x-men-663154 |title=Release date announced for X-Men: Apocalypse |last1=Ford |first1=Rebecca |first2=Borys |last2=Kit |date=December 5, 2013 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=May 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027111510/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/release-date-announced-x-men-663154 |archive-date=October 27, 2014 |url-status=live}} In the same month, Simon Kinberg, Dan Harris, and Michael Dougherty were revealed by Singer to be attached to work on the film's story.{{cite news |first=Scott |last=Collura |title=X2 writers working on X-Men: Apocalypse |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/12/19/x2-writers-working-on-x-men-apocalypse |website=IGN |date=December 19, 2013 |access-date=May 27, 2016 |archive-date=July 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725111234/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/12/19/x2-writers-working-on-x-men-apocalypse |url-status=live }} According to Singer, the film would focus on the origin of the mutants and feature the younger versions of Cyclops, Jean Grey and Storm.{{cite magazine |url=http://insidemovies.ew.com/2014/01/07/x-men-apocalypse-bryan-singer/ |title=X-Men: Apocalypse: Bryan Singer teases new film 'will address mutant origins' — Exclusive |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |last=Stack |first=Tim |date=January 7, 2014 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |archive-date=January 28, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128043744/http://insidemovies.ew.com/2014/01/07/x-men-apocalypse-bryan-singer/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.scifinow.co.uk/news/x-men-apocalypse-will-star-cyclops-jean-grey-and-storm/ |title=X-Men: Apocalypse will star Cyclops, Jean Grey, and Storm |website=Sci-Fi Now |date=May 7, 2014 |access-date=November 25, 2014 |archive-date=October 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019090535/http://www.scifinow.co.uk/news/x-men-apocalypse-will-star-cyclops-jean-grey-and-storm/ |url-status=live }} Singer also said that he was considering Gambit and a younger version of Nightcrawler to appear.{{cite news |first=Niki |last=Stephens |title=Bryan Singer talks which mutants he'd like for X-Men: Apocalypse |url=https://www.joblo.com/movie-news/bryan-singer-talks-which-mutants-hed-like-for-x-men-apocalypse |website=JoBlo.com |date=March 20, 2014 |access-date=May 29, 2016 |archive-date=July 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709095645/http://www.joblo.com/movie-news/bryan-singer-talks-which-mutants-hed-like-for-x-men-apocalypse |url-status=live }} According to Kinberg, it would take place in 1983, and completes a trilogy that began with X-Men: First Class (2011).{{cite web |url=http://www.theqandapodcast.com/?m=1 |title=The Q&A with Jeff Goldsmith: X-Men: Days of Future Past Q&A |website=The Q & A Podcast |date=June 13, 2014 |access-date=November 25, 2014 |archive-date=July 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715020221/http://www.theqandapodcast.com/?m=1 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Parfitt |first=Orlando |title=X-Men writer on Apocalypse plot twists, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, and much more (Exclusive) |url=https://uk.yahoo.com/movies/x-men-writer-on-apocalypse-plot-98479448361.html |website=Yahoo! Movies |access-date=February 25, 2015 |date=September 26, 2014 |archive-date=March 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324055946/https://uk.yahoo.com/movies/x-men-writer-on-apocalypse-plot-98479448361.html |url-status=live }} In September 2014, 20th Century Fox officially announced that Singer would direct the film.{{cite web |last=Fleming |first=Mike Jr. |title=Bryan Singer set to helm X-Men: Apocalypse |url=https://deadline.com/2014/09/bryan-singer-xmen-apocalypse-director-sequel-838588/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=February 25, 2015 |date=September 22, 2014 |archive-date=February 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217053120/http://deadline.com/2014/09/bryan-singer-xmen-apocalypse-director-sequel-838588/ |url-status=live }} Singer has called the film "kind of a conclusion of six X-Men films, yet a potential rebirth of younger, newer characters" and the "true birth of the X-Men".{{cite magazine |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/07/01/x-men-apocalypse-bryan-singer-says-mutant-sequel-details-birth-x-men |title=X-Men: Apocalypse: See concept art from director Bryan Singer's new mutant sequel |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=July 3, 2015 |access-date=August 10, 2015 |archive-date=August 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811064431/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/07/01/x-men-apocalypse-bryan-singer-says-mutant-sequel-details-birth-x-men |url-status=dead }}

{{quote box|width=30%|align=right|quote=It will address historical mutant-cy, meaning the deep past, mutant origins and things like that. It's something that's always intrigued me when we think about our Gods and our history and miracles and powers.|source=—Bryan Singer on what will be seen in X-Men: Apocalypse.}}

Singer said that Apocalypse is the main focus of the film. Kinberg said that the younger versions of Scott Summers, Storm and Jean Grey appearing in the film are "as much a part of the film as the main cast". He described Summers as "not yet the squeaky-clean leader", Storm as a "troubled character who is going down the wrong path in life", and Grey as "complex, interesting and not fully mature."{{cite web|url=https://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=44152 |title=Exclusive: Bryan Singer reveals new X-Men: Apocalypse concept art |date=April 29, 2015 |last=White |first=James |website=Empire Online |access-date=April 29, 2015}} Kinberg also said that the film delivers on the dramatic story and emotion of the last two films and that it acts like the culmination of the main characters portrayed by Lawrence, McAvoy, Fassbender, and Hoult.{{cite web |url=https://collider.com/x-men-apocalypse-culmination-of-trilogy-says-simon-kinberg/ |title=X-Men: Apocalypse is the "culmination" of a trilogy, says Simon Kinberg |website=Collider |date=September 21, 2015 |access-date=September 23, 2015 |archive-date=April 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428220609/https://collider.com/x-men-apocalypse-culmination-of-trilogy-says-simon-kinberg/ |url-status=live }} Kinberg said First Class, Days of Future Past, and Apocalypse formed a trilogy about Mystique, explaining,

She starts in First Class entirely on Charles' side, ends up following Erik, and we then find her in Days of Future Past and she's on her own because Erik is gone. She's on her own side in that movie but is drawn toward Charles by the end of the film and shoots Erik. Then in Apocalypse she comes back to Charles. There's a full circle narrative over the span of this little trilogy that is about Mystique from beginning with Charles in the mansion and ending with Charles in the mansion, but not as the same timid little girl we met in First Class.{{cite web |url=http://creativescreenwriting.com/the-consistent-link-simon-kinberg-on-x-men-apocalypse/ |title=The Consistent Link: Simon Kinberg on X-Men: Apocalypse |date=May 26, 2016 |last=McKittrick |first=Christopher |website=CreativeScreenwriting.com |access-date=May 30, 2016 |archive-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531010509/http://creativescreenwriting.com/the-consistent-link-simon-kinberg-on-x-men-apocalypse/ |url-status=live}}

Kinberg was paid $8 million for writing the script, the same amount he received for X-Men: Days of Future Past.{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/hollywood-salaries-2016-who-got-933037/item/hollywood-salaries-revealed-who-got-933050 |title=Hollywood salaries 2016: Who got raises (and who didn't), from movie stars to show-runners |website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=September 29, 2016 |access-date=October 1, 2016 |archive-date=October 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002010242/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/hollywood-salaries-2016-who-got-933037/item/hollywood-salaries-revealed-who-got-933050 |url-status=live }} The plot was partially inspired by the 1988 X-Men story arc "The Fall of the Mutants".{{cite web |url=https://screenrant.com/x-men-apocalypse-magneto-powers-michael-fassbender/ |title=X-Men Apocalypse: Why has Magneto left his powers behind? |first=Bob |last=Chipman |website=Screen Rant |date=January 23, 2016 |access-date=December 27, 2016 |archive-date=October 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006151509/http://screenrant.com/x-men-apocalypse-magneto-powers-michael-fassbender/ |url-status=live}}

In October 2014, casting for X-Men: Apocalypse began.{{cite web |url=https://screenrant.com/x-men-apocalypse-movie-cast/ |title=X-Men: Apocalypse casting is underway |first=Sarah |last=Moran |date=October 11, 2014 |website=Screen Rant |access-date=May 19, 2016 |archive-date=April 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416035029/http://screenrant.com/x-men-apocalypse-movie-cast/ |url-status=live }} In November, Singer confirmed that Oscar Isaac would portray Apocalypse.{{cite news |first=Beth |last=Webb |title=Oscar Isaac to play title villain in X-Men: Apocalypse |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/11252780/Oscar-Isaac-to-play-title-villain-in-X-Men-Apocalypse.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/11252780/Oscar-Isaac-to-play-title-villain-in-X-Men-Apocalypse.html |archive-date=January 12, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |website=The Daily Telegraph |date=November 25, 2014 |access-date=May 27, 2016}}{{cbignore}} In January 2015, Singer announced that Alexandra Shipp, Sophie Turner and Tye Sheridan would portray young Storm, Jean and Cyclops, respectively.{{cite news |first=Justin |last=Kroll |title=Sophie Turner, Tye Sheridan, Alexandra Shipp join X-Men: Apocalypse |url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/sophie-turner-tye-sheridan-and-alexandra-shipp-join-x-men-apocalypse-1201412640/ |website=Variety |date=January 22, 2015 |access-date=May 27, 2016 |archive-date=October 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026214913/http://variety.com/2015/film/news/sophie-turner-tye-sheridan-and-alexandra-shipp-join-x-men-apocalypse-1201412640/ |url-status=live }} Grace Fulton, who would go to play Mary Bromfield in the DC Extended Universe Shazam films, originally auditioned to play Jean Grey, but lost out to Turner. Ashley Benson was also considered for Jean Grey.{{cite news |first=Jenna |last=Anderson |title=Shazam! Fury of the Gods Star Auditioned for a Surprising X-Men Role |url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/shazam-fury-of-the-gods-star-grace-caroline-currey-auditioned-x-men-jean-grey/ |website=ComicBook.com |date=February 21, 2023 |access-date=February 22, 2023 |archive-date=February 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222010528/https://comicbook.com/movies/news/shazam-fury-of-the-gods-star-grace-caroline-currey-auditioned-x-men-jean-grey/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite journal |date=12 February 2019 |title=In the 2008 comic book "X-Men Origins :Jean Grey the actress Ashley Benson was the model used to make the appearance of Jean grey in the comic |url=https://twitter.com/JeanGreyFanPage/status/1095423213000187904 |journal=Twitter |language=English |publisher=Jean Grey Fanpage}} The same month, Kinberg confirmed that Rose Byrne would reprise her First Class role as Moira MacTaggert in the film. In February, Kodi Smit-McPhee was cast as Nightcrawler and Ben Hardy was cast in an unspecified role.{{cite news |last=Singer |first=Bryan |title=Bryan Singer on Instagram: "Excited to welcome @kodismitmcphee to the cast of #XmenApocalypse as young #Nightcrawler." |url=https://instagram.com/p/zOpm_oRD08/?modal=true |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=Instagram |date=February 17, 2015 |archive-date=June 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612110825/https://www.instagram.com/p/zOpm_oRD08/?modal=true |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Kroll |first=Justin |title=Ben Hardy joins the cast of X-Men: Apocalypse |url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/eastenders-actor-ben-hardy-joins-x-men-apocalypse-1201440972/ |access-date=February 25, 2015 |website=Variety |date=February 24, 2015 |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103051029/https://variety.com/2015/film/news/eastenders-actor-ben-hardy-joins-x-men-apocalypse-1201440972/ |url-status=live }} In March, Singer announced that Lana Condor was cast as Jubilation Lee.{{cite news |last=Singer |first=Bryan |title=Bryan Singer on Instagram: "I'd officially like to welcome our newest mutant #JubilationLee, #Armor @LanaCondor to No. XMEN #Apocalypse" |url=https://instagram.com/p/0qVuAKxDxJ/ |access-date=March 25, 2015 |website=Instagram |date=March 25, 2015 |archive-date=August 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817123050/https://www.instagram.com/p/0qVuAKxDxJ/ |url-status=live }} In April, Singer confirmed that Hardy would portray Angel, Olivia Munn would portray Psylocke, and Lucas Till would return as Havok.{{cite news |last1=Hewitt |first1=Chris |title=Exclusive: Bryan Singer confirms Ben Hardy is Angel in X-Men: Apocalypse |url=https://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=43949 |access-date=April 9, 2015 |website=Empire Online |date=April 9, 2015 |archive-date=April 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150411225427/http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=43949 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Singer |first=Bryan |title=Welcome back #lucastill #xmen #XmenApocalypse #jamesmcavoy #michaelfassbender #jenniferlawrence #nicholashoult #rosebyrne How time flies! #XmenFirstClass |url=https://instagram.com/p/1lxxZERDw4/ |website=Instagram |access-date=April 17, 2015 |archive-date=April 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401092639/https://www.instagram.com/p/1lxxZERDw4/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Singer |first=Bryan |title=Bryan Singer on Instagram: "Excited to welcome @oliviamunn as Betsy Braddock! #Psylocke #XmenApocalypse #XMEN" |url=https://instagram.com/p/1bYchvxD_p/ |access-date=April 13, 2015 |website=Instagram |date=April 13, 2015 |archive-date=September 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904035026/https://www.instagram.com/p/1bYchvxD_p/ |url-status=live }} In May, Singer announced that the mutant Caliban would appear in the film.{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/32894977/x-men-apocalypse-will-feature-marvel-mutant-caliban |title=X-Men: Apocalypse will feature Marvel mutant Caliban |publisher=BBC News |website=Newsbeat |date=May 27, 2015 |access-date=May 28, 2015 |archive-date=May 30, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530023446/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/32894977/x-men-apocalypse-will-feature-marvel-mutant-caliban |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Jamie |first=Lovett |url=https://comicbook.com/2015/05/26/new-x-men-apocalypse-official-set-photo-confirms-caliban/ |title=New X-Men: Apocalypse official set photo confirms Caliban |website=ComicBook.com |date=May 26, 2015 |access-date=May 28, 2015 |archive-date=May 28, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528021142/http://comicbook.com/2015/05/26/new-x-men-apocalypse-official-set-photo-confirms-caliban/ |url-status=live }} In July, Hoult revealed on Conan that Josh Helman would return as William Stryker.{{cite web |last=Coco |first=Team |title=The X-Men: Apocalypse cast's violent games |series=Conan on TBS |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=2sBathjHVw4 | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211107/2sBathjHVw4| archive-date=2021-11-07 | url-status=live|website=YouTube |date=July 12, 2015 |access-date=July 12, 2015}}{{cbignore}} In April 2016, Hugh Jackman confirmed that he would make a cameo appearance as Logan / Wolverine.{{cite news |url=https://time.com/4306330/hugh-jackman-wolverine-apocalypse-xmen-trailer/ |title=Hugh Jackman just teased an X-Men: Apocalypse Wolverine cameo |magazine=Time |date=April 25, 2016 |access-date=May 14, 2016 |archive-date=March 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302024658/http://time.com/4306330/hugh-jackman-wolverine-apocalypse-xmen-trailer/ |url-status=live }}

Principal photography commenced on April 27, 2015, in Montreal, Canada.{{cite web |url=https://screenrant.com/x-men-apocalypse-filming-nightcrawler-actor-kodi-smit-mcphree-images/ |title=X-Men: Apocalypse begins production; first official look at Kodi Smit-McPhee as Nightcrawler |website=Screen Rant |date=April 27, 2015 |access-date=April 27, 2015 |archive-date=April 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429143244/http://screenrant.com/x-men-apocalypse-filming-nightcrawler-actor-kodi-smit-mcphree-images/ |url-status=live }} In late August, the first-unit production for the film wrapped.{{cite web |url=https://comicbook.com/2015/08/23/x-men-apocalypse-wraps-main-filming/ |title=X-Men: Apocalypse wraps main filming |last=Jayson |first=Jay |website=ComicBook.com |date=August 22, 2015 |access-date=August 22, 2015 |archive-date=August 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150823061803/http://comicbook.com/2015/08/23/x-men-apocalypse-wraps-main-filming/ |url-status=live }} Additional filming took place in January 2016.{{cite web |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/628163-x-men-apocalypse-headed-back-to-montreal-for-reshoots |title=X-Men: Apocalypse headed back to Montreal for reshoots |last=Perry |first=Spencer |website=ComingSoon.net |date=November 1, 2015 |access-date=November 1, 2015 |archive-date=November 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106003602/http://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/628163-x-men-apocalypse-headed-back-to-montreal-for-reshoots |url-status=live }}

Australia-based Rising Sun Pictures provided, as it did for X-Men: Days of Future Past, the effects for Quicksilver's time-stopping, quick motion effects in the mansion rescue scene, and also other effects, including when Cyclops splits Professor Xavier's favorite tree in half.{{cite web |url=http://www.cgsociety.org/news/article/2449/rising-sun-pictures-extends-its-mastery-over-time-in-x-men-apocalypse |title=Rising Sun Pictures extends its mastery over time in X-Men: Apocalypse |date=June 6, 2016 |website=CG Society |access-date=June 8, 2016 |archive-date=June 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608151900/http://www.cgsociety.org/news/article/2449/rising-sun-pictures-extends-its-mastery-over-time-in-x-men-apocalypse |url-status=live }} Aerial footage of snow-capped mountains as Stryker traveled in his helicopter to the secret base was provided by SmartDrones of St. Albert, Alberta, Canada.{{cite web |url=https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/latest-x-men-apocalypse-features-sky-high-mountain-footage-by-local-drone-company |title=Latest X-Men movie features sky-high mountain footage by Edmonton-area drone company |last=Faulder |first=Liane |date=June 7, 2016 |newspaper=Edmonton Journal |access-date=June 8, 2016 |archive-date=June 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608131047/http://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/latest-x-men-apocalypse-features-sky-high-mountain-footage-by-local-drone-company |url-status=live }} Singer had at one point left the production for 10 days, forcing screenwriter Simon Kinberg to fill in as director.{{cite web|last=Sharf|first=Zach|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2019/06/bryan-singer-missing-xmen-sets-bohemian-rhapsody-1202148666/|title=Before the Bohemian Rhapsody Mess, Bryan Singer Reportedly Went AWOL From X-Men Movie Sets|date=June 10, 2019|website=IndieWire|access-date=April 29, 2020|archive-date=April 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415115535/https://www.indiewire.com/2019/06/bryan-singer-missing-xmen-sets-bohemian-rhapsody-1202148666/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Masters|first=Kim|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/why-fox-hired-fired-bryan-singer-bohemian-rhapsody-1156527|title="How Many At-Bats Do You Get?": Why Fox Hired (Then Fired) Bryan Singer on Bohemian Rhapsody|date=October 31, 2018|website=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=April 29, 2020|archive-date=May 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507121930/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/why-fox-hired-fired-bryan-singer-bohemian-rhapsody-1156527|url-status=live}} Singer claimed he had a thyroid issue and had to be treated in L.A.{{cite news |last1=Gremore |first1=Graham |title=Olivia Munn spills all the tea on Bryan Singer and his very "bad behavior" |url=https://www.queerty.com/olivia-munn-spills-tea-bryan-singer-bad-behavior-20200429 |access-date=29 April 2020 |work=Queerty |date=29 April 2020 |archive-date=May 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200503200643/https://www.queerty.com/olivia-munn-spills-tea-bryan-singer-bad-behavior-20200429 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|last=Setoodeh|first=Ramin|url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/bryan-singer-x-men-apocalypse-missing-1234591813/|title=Olivia Munn Says Bryan Singer Went Missing for a 'Thyroid Issue' While Shooting X-Men: Apocalypse (EXCLUSIVE)|date=April 28, 2020|website=Variety|access-date=April 29, 2020|archive-date=April 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200428213654/https://variety.com/2020/film/news/bryan-singer-x-men-apocalypse-missing-1234591813/|url-status=live}}

{{main|X-Men: Apocalypse (soundtrack)}}

On March 2, 2015, it was announced that John Ottman, who composed the scores for X2 (2003) and X-Men: Days of Future Past, would return to write and compose the score for Apocalypse. On May 20, 2016, the official soundtrack was released as a digital download. In addition to Ottman's score, the film features a remix of the second movement of Ludwig van Beethoven's seventh symphony entitled "Beethoven Havok" and two songs contemporary to the film's 1983 setting, "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by Eurythmics and "The Four Horsemen" by Metallica.{{cite web |url=http://www.soundtrack.net/movie/x-men-apocalypse/ |title=X-Men: Apocalypse (2016) |website=Soundtrack.Net |access-date=June 8, 2016 |archive-date=June 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605065303/http://www.soundtrack.net/movie/x-men-apocalypse/ |url-status=live }}

The visual effects are provided by Moving Picture Company and Hydraulx and Supervised by Anders Langlands and Colin Strause with help from Digital Domain, Cinesite, and Rising Sun Pictures.{{cite web|url=https://www.artofvfx.com/x-men-apocalypse/|title=X-Men: Apocalypse - Art of VFX|date=April 25, 2016|access-date=June 10, 2019|website=www.artofvfx.com|archive-date=June 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624104254/https://www.artofvfx.com/x-men-apocalypse/|url-status=live}}

In July 2015, Singer, Lee, Jackman, and cast members McAvoy, Fassbender, Lawrence, Isaac, Hoult, Munn, Peters, Smit-McPhee, Turner, Sheridan, Shipp, Condor, Till, and Hardy gave a presentation at the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con, together with the release of the film's first teaser poster, featuring En Sabah Nur and a wreckage of the X-Mansion.{{cite web |title=X-Men: Apocalypse poster reveals the movie's big villain |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/x-men-apocalypse-poster-reveals-the-movies-big-villain-comic-con-2015/ |website=/Film |date=July 11, 2015 |access-date=November 22, 2015 |language=en-US |archive-date=December 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151201073114/http://www.slashfilm.com/x-men-apocalypse-poster-reveals-the-movies-big-villain-comic-con-2015/ |url-status=live }} Footage from the film was screened.{{cite news |last=Oldham |first=Stuart |date=December 7, 2015 |title='X-Men: Apocalypse' Trailer, All-Star Cast Take Comic-Con by Storm |url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/x-men-apocalypse-trailer-all-star-cast-take-comic-con-by-storm-1201538549/ |website=Variety |language=en-US |access-date=December 11, 2017 |archive-date=May 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529001651/http://variety.com/2015/film/news/x-men-apocalypse-trailer-all-star-cast-take-comic-con-by-storm-1201538549/ |url-status=live }}

In October 2015, Mars Chocolate partnered with 20th Century Fox for the marketing of the film, using M&M chocolates in their promotional materials. The deal included retail displays and special packaging markings, TV and cinema commercials, and social media posts featuring M&M's characters mixed with elements of the X-Men. The first image of M&M candies wearing Storm and Magneto costumes was released on the day of the announcement.{{cite web |title=M&M's forms partnership with X-Men: Apocalypse |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/10/08/mms-forms-partnership-with-x-men-apocalypse |website=IGN |date=October 8, 2015 |access-date=November 21, 2015 |archive-date=November 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151110212500/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/10/08/mms-forms-partnership-with-x-men-apocalypse? |url-status=live }}

In December 2015, Kia Motors collaborated with 20th Century Fox to create a custom Kia Sportage to promote the film. Designed after Mystique, the car was revealed at the 2016 Australian Open. It is Kia's second "X-Car" project after the Kia Sorento customized for the home media release of Days of Future Past and the 2015 Australian Open.{{cite press release |url=http://www.kia.com/ie/content/news/x-men/ |title=X-Men inspired Kia Sportage created ahead of Apocalypse |publisher=Kia Motors |date=December 22, 2015 |access-date=January 2, 2016 |archive-date=June 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160608104943/http://www.kia.com/ie/content/news/x-men/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://blog.caranddriver.com/kia-sportage-dressed-up-for-x-men-apocalypse-is-itself-an-apocalypse/ |title=Kia Sportage dressed up for X-Men: Apocalypse is itself an apocalypse |last=Stoklosa |first=Alexander |website=Car and Driver |date=December 22, 2015 |access-date=January 2, 2016 |archive-date=December 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224202642/http://blog.caranddriver.com/kia-sportage-dressed-up-for-x-men-apocalypse-is-itself-an-apocalypse/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.techtimes.com/articles/119350/20151224/kia-builds-sportage-suv-inspired-upcoming-x-men-apocalypse-film.htm |title=Kia builds Sportage SUV inspired by upcoming X-Men: Apocalypse film |last=Lelinwalla |first=Mark |website=Tech Times |date=December 24, 2015 |access-date=January 2, 2016 |archive-date=December 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226120655/http://www.techtimes.com/articles/119350/20151224/kia-builds-sportage-suv-inspired-upcoming-x-men-apocalypse-film.htm |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |title=The Kia Sportage crossover is the new X-Men car |last=Castillo |first=Gerard Jude |date=December 31, 2015 |url=http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/car-news/the-kia-sportage-crossover-is-the-new-x-men-car |magazine=Top Gear Philippines |access-date=January 2, 2016 |archive-date=January 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104195038/http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/car-news/the-kia-sportage-crossover-is-the-new-x-men-car |url-status=live }} A trailer released in the same month received criticism from Rajan Zed, a United States–based Hindu cleric, who stated that the part where Apocalypse claims himself to have been called "Krishna" was an offense to the Hindu religion, and demanded that Singer remove all references to Krishna from the trailer, and the film itself.{{cite web |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/lord-krishna-as-a-villain-in-x-men-apocalypse-at-least-these-offended-hindus-think-so-x-men-apocalypse-trailer-watch/1/548677.html |title=Lord Krishna as a villain in X-Men Apocalypse? At least these offended Hindus think so! |website=India Today |date=December 16, 2015 |access-date=May 12, 2016 |archive-date=May 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160517013519/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/lord-krishna-as-a-villain-in-x-men-apocalypse-at-least-these-offended-hindus-think-so-x-men-apocalypse-trailer-watch/1/548677.html |url-status=live }} The references to Krishna were removed from the film's final cut.{{cite web |url=http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Hollywood/2016-05-27/Deleting-inappropriate-reference-to-Krishna-in-X-Men-Apocalypse-welcomed/230820 |title=Deleting inappropriate reference to Krishna in X-Men: Apocalypse welcomed |website=The Hans India |date=May 28, 2016 |access-date=June 1, 2016 |archive-date=June 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605145235/http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Hollywood/2016-05-27/Deleting-inappropriate-reference-to-Krishna-in-X-Men-Apocalypse-welcomed/230820 |url-status=live }} On January 4, 2016, Kia Motors released the first promo video of the car, featuring Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal.{{cite web |url=http://www.carbuzz.com/news/2015/12/23/Can-A-Naked-X-Men-Character-Make-You-Care-About-The-Kia-Sportage-7731106/ |title=Can a naked X-Men character make you care about the Kia Sportage? |last=Hines |first=Michael |website=CarBuzz.com |date=December 23, 2015 |access-date=January 4, 2016}}

Concerning the character Apocalypse, the director Bryan Singer has said,

{{blockquote|The way I describe him the most, the best is he to me is the God of the Old Testament and all that comes with that. If there isn't the order and the worship then I'll open up the Earth and swallow you whole, and that was the God of the Old Testament. I started from there and when Oscar and I met we began discussing, since he isn't really God, he's the first mutant perhaps, but he's not God necessarily, he's imbued with certain unique powers. Some of them may or may not be from this Earth, we don't know.{{cite web |url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2016/may-web-only/meet-new-apocalypse-same-as-old-one.html |title=Meet the new Apocalypse (same as the old one) |website=Christianity Today |date=May 25, 2016 |access-date=November 2, 2016 |archive-date=September 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160912180929/http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2016/may-web-only/meet-new-apocalypse-same-as-old-one.html? |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.msn.com/en-au/sport/news/bryan-singer-elaborates-on-apocalypse-in-new-x-men-film/vi-BBoxyYM |title=Bryan Singer elaborates on Apocalypse in new X-Men film |website=MSN News |access-date=February 20, 2020 |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308152905/https://www.msn.com/en-au/sport/news/bryan-singer-elaborates-on-apocalypse-in-new-x-men-film/vi-BBoxyYM |url-status=live }}}}

In April 2016, Coldwell Banker partnered with 20th Century Fox to list the X-Mansion for $75 million.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.fastcocreate.com/3059145/want-to-buy-the-x-mens-school-coldwell-banker-real-estate-has-the-listing |title=Want to buy the X-Men's school? Coldwell Banker Real Estate has the listing |last=Beer |first=Jeff |magazine=Fast Company |date=April 21, 2016 |access-date=April 22, 2016 |archive-date=April 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423023642/http://www.fastcocreate.com/3059145/want-to-buy-the-x-mens-school-coldwell-banker-real-estate-has-the-listing |url-status=live }} The fictional listing included a video tour of the mansion and stories of the home from the perspective of characters such as Charles Xavier and Scott Summers. The fake property was listed by agent Kala V. Rhomedren, an anagram for Raven Darkhölme.{{cite web |url=http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/273880/coldwell-banker-lists-x-men-mansion-for-75-mill.html |title=Coldwell Banker 'lists' X-Men mansion for $75 million |last=Gazdik |first=Tanya |website=MediaPost |date=April 21, 2016 |access-date=April 22, 2016 |archive-date=April 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422155728/http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/273880/coldwell-banker-lists-x-men-mansion-for-75-mill.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://brandchannel.com/2016/04/21/5-questions-coldwell-banker-042116/ |title=X-actly on brand: 5 questions with Coldwell Banker's Sean Blankenship |last=Buss |first=Dale |website=Brandchannel |date=April 21, 2016 |access-date=April 22, 2016 |archive-date=February 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210145856/http://brandchannel.com/2016/04/21/5-questions-coldwell-banker-042116/ |url-status=dead }} That same month, Fox released a faux TV show called "In the Footsteps of ..." narrated by George Takei which is inspired by the classic TV series In Search of ... that focuses on En Sabah Nur's origins.{{cite web |url=https://screencrush.com/x-men-apocalypse-video-en-sabah-nur-origins/ |title=X-Men: Apocalypse video explores En Sabah Nur's origins with the help of George Takei |website=ScreenCrush |last=Hayes |first=Brett |date=April 18, 2016 |access-date=February 19, 2020 |archive-date=September 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930215547/https://screencrush.com/x-men-apocalypse-video-en-sabah-nur-origins/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlPw8NUZuuU | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211107/xlPw8NUZuuU| archive-date=2021-11-07 | url-status=live|title=In the footsteps of ... En Sabah Nur |publisher=20th Century Fox |date=April 18, 2016 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web |url=http://www.xmenmovies.com/apocalypse-timeline/ |title=X-Men: Apocalypse (2016) - Timeline |publisher=20th Century Fox |website=xmenmovies.com |access-date=June 4, 2016 |archive-date=June 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608210416/http://www.xmenmovies.com/apocalypse-timeline/ |url-status=dead }} In May 2016, Fox released a faux TV commercial for the Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters with Lana Condor as Jubilee. They also released a video voiced mail message a week later and a faux TV show called Fables of the Flush & Fabulous with Robin Leach which is inspired by Leach's show Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kniQrk9jw0 | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211107/_kniQrk9jw0| archive-date=2021-11-07 | url-status=live|title=Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters TV commercial |publisher=20th Century Fox |date=May 19, 2016 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr0rKgis4hw | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211107/hr0rKgis4hw| archive-date=2021-11-07 | url-status=live|title=Fables of the Flush & Fabulous |publisher=20th Century Fox |date=May 25, 2016 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRp_PzJVwJc | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211107/fRp_PzJVwJc| archive-date=2021-11-07 | url-status=live|title=Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters – voicemail messages |publisher=20th Century Fox |date=May 27, 2016 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web |department=Cool videos |title=Fables of the Flush & Fabulous explore Charles Xavier's mansion |url=https://www.joblo.com/movie-news/cool-videos-fables-of-the-flush-fabulous-explore-charles-xaviers-mansion-316 |website=JoBlo.com |last=Fraser |first=Kevin |date=May 25, 2016 |access-date=February 19, 2020 |archive-date=April 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423195751/https://www.joblo.com/movie-news/cool-videos-fables-of-the-flush-fabulous-explore-charles-xaviers-mansion-316 |url-status=live }}

Billboards in Los Angeles and New York City promoting the film garnered controversy for showing an image of Apocalypse choking Mystique, with critics saying the ad advocates violence against women. Among those opposed to the material was actress Rose McGowan, who told The Hollywood Reporter: "There is a major problem when the men and women at 20th Century Fox think casual violence against women is the way to market a film. There is no context in the ad, just a woman getting strangled. The fact that no one flagged this is offensive and frankly, stupid."{{cite news |title=Rose McGowan criticises violent X-Men poster as 'offensive and frankly, stupid' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jun/03/rose-mcgowan-criticises-violent-x-men-poster-as-offensive-and-frankly-stupid |newspaper=The Guardian |last=Hunt |first=Elle |date=June 3, 2016 |access-date=June 5, 2016 |archive-date=June 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604135233/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jun/03/rose-mcgowan-criticises-violent-x-men-poster-as-offensive-and-frankly-stupid |url-status=live }} In apologizing for the billboard, Fox said it intended to remove the image from circulation.{{cite news |title=Fox apologises for X-Men billboards showing Jennifer Lawrence being strangled |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jun/04/fox-apologises-for-x-men-billboards-showing-jennifer-lawrence-being-strangled |newspaper=The Guardian |date=June 3, 2016 |access-date=June 5, 2016 |archive-date=June 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604213928/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/jun/04/fox-apologises-for-x-men-billboards-showing-jennifer-lawrence-being-strangled |url-status=live }}

X-Men: Apocalypse had its world premiere in London on May 9, 2016. The film was released in 20,796 screens across 76 international markets on May 18, 2016,{{cite web |url=https://www.empireonline.com/people/jennifer-lawrence/huge-new-batch-x-men-apocalypse-character-posters-lands/ |title=Huge new batch of X-Men: Apocalypse character posters lands |website=Empire |date=April 11, 2016 |access-date=April 20, 2016 |archive-date=April 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415064916/http://www.empireonline.com/people/jennifer-lawrence/huge-new-batch-x-men-apocalypse-character-posters-lands/ |url-status=live }} one week before its North American debut. Apocalypse was issued triple 3D, 4DX, and 2D formats, and in IMAX 3D in select international markets, using the DMR process.{{cite web |url=http://www.imax.com/movies/x-men-apocalypse |title=X-Men: Apocalypse: IMAX |date=May 1, 2016 |access-date=May 2, 2016 |archive-date=April 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420065701/http://www.imax.com/movies/x-men-apocalypse |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/xmen-apocalypse-to-release-in-india-a-week-before-us/article8492929.ece |title=X-Men: Apocalypse to release in India a week before US |date=April 19, 2016 |newspaper=The Hindu |access-date=June 3, 2016 |archive-date=April 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420151022/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/xmen-apocalypse-to-release-in-india-a-week-before-us/article8492929.ece |url-status=live }} It opened in Korea on May 25 and in China on June 3. It was released in Japan on August 11.

The film was released by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment on digital download on September 9, 2016, and on DVD, Blu-ray, 3D Blu-Ray, and Ultra HD Blu-ray on October 4, 2016.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/07/17/x-men-apocalypse-comic-con-blu-ray-release-bonus-features |title=X-Men: Apocalypse Comic-Con booth will let fans battle villain |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |last=Gettell |first=Oliver |date=July 17, 2016 |access-date=February 19, 2020 |archive-date=October 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025032414/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/07/17/x-men-apocalypse-comic-con-blu-ray-release-bonus-features/ |url-status=dead }} The film topped the national home video sales charts for the week ending on October 9, 2016.{{cite web |first=Thomas K. |last=Arnold |title=X-Men, Purge sequels debut in top two spots on DVD, blu-ray disc sales charts |url=https://variety.com/2016/digital/news/x-men-purge-sequels-debut-in-top-two-spots-on-dvd-blu-ray-disc-sales-charts-1201887239/ |website=Variety |access-date=27 July 2017 |date=13 October 2016 |archive-date=November 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114004832/http://variety.com/2016/digital/news/x-men-purge-sequels-debut-in-top-two-spots-on-dvd-blu-ray-disc-sales-charts-1201887239/ |url-status=live }}

X-Men: Apocalypse was released on The Walt Disney Company's streaming service Disney+ on July 17, 2020.

X-Men: Apocalypse grossed $155.4 million in the U.S. and Canada and $388.5 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $543.9 million against a budget of $178 million. The film became the third highest grossing film in the X-Men series, behind Deadpool and X-Men: Days of Future Past.{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/franchises/chart/?id=xmen.htm |title=X-Men franchise |date=June 19, 2016 |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=February 19, 2020 |archive-date=February 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228123001/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/franchises/chart/?id=xmen.htm |url-status=live }} It made 27% less than Days of Future Past.{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/summer-box-office-2016-hits-448-billion-revenue-cant-beat-2015-925594 |title=Summer box-office revenue hits $4.48B against the odds: "It's tough out there" |first=Pamela |last=McClintock |website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=September 6, 2016 |access-date=September 7, 2016 |archive-date=September 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160908183520/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/summer-box-office-2016-hits-448-billion-revenue-cant-beat-2015-925594 |url-status=live }}

X-Men: Apocalypse opened in the United States on May 27, 2016, alongside Alice through the Looking Glass and was projected to gross around $80 million from 4,150 theaters in its opening three days, and up to $100 million over the four-day Memorial Day weekend.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2016/05/x-men-apocalypse-alice-through-the-looking-glass-memorial-day-box-office-preview-1201762180/ |title=X-Men & Alice to boost Memorial Day weekend after last year's holiday apocalypse |first=Anthony |last=D'Alessandro |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=May 24, 2016 |access-date=May 25, 2016 |archive-date=May 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526022110/http://deadline.com/2016/05/x-men-apocalypse-alice-through-the-looking-glass-memorial-day-box-office-preview-1201762180/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-preview-x-men-897186 |title=Box-office preview: X-Men: Apocalypse, Alice 2 suit up for Memorial Day battle |first=Pamela |last=McClintock |website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=May 25, 2016 |access-date=May 25, 2016 |archive-date=May 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526104346/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-preview-x-men-897186 |url-status=live }} It made $8.2 million from Thursday previews at 3,565 theaters (better than its predecessor at $8.1 million).{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2016/05/x-men-apocalypse-alice-through-the-looking-glass-memorial-day-weekend-box-office-1201763668/ |title=X-Men: Apocalypse inches out Days of Future Past on Thursday, on track for strong Memorial Day opening |first=Anthony |last=D'Alessandro |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=May 27, 2016 |access-date=May 28, 2016 |archive-date=May 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528142410/https://deadline.com/2016/05/x-men-apocalypse-alice-through-the-looking-glass-memorial-day-weekend-box-office-1201763668/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-x-men-apocalypse-897850 |title=Box office: X-Men: Apocalypse nabs strong $8.2M Thursday night |first=Pamela |last=McClintock |website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=May 27, 2016 |access-date=May 27, 2016}} On its opening day it grossed $26.4 million (including previews), the fourth-lowest opening day amount of the franchise.{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2016/05/28/box-office-x-men-apocalypse-scores-troubling-26-4m-friday/#173d94853583 |title=Box office: X-Men: Apocalypse scores troubling $26.4M Friday |first=Scott |last=Mendelson |website=Forbes |date=May 28, 2016 |access-date=May 28, 2016 |archive-date=May 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529123004/http://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2016/05/28/box-office-x-men-apocalypse-scores-troubling-26-4m-friday/#173d94853583 |url-status=live }} In its first three days, it grossed $65.8 million{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-x-men-apocalypse-898171 |title=Box office: X-Men: Apocalypse no. 1 with $80M; Alice through the Looking Glass bombs |first=Pamela |last=McClintock |website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=May 29, 2016 |access-date=May 29, 2016 |archive-date=May 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160530122504/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/box-office-x-men-apocalypse-898171 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2016/05/x-men-apocalypse-alice-through-the-looking-glass-memorial-day-weekend-box-office-1201763668/ |title=Why nobody chased Alice through the Looking Glass: Memorial Day box office postmortem |first=Anthony |last=D'Alessandro |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=May 31, 2016 |access-date=June 1, 2016 |archive-date=May 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528142410/https://deadline.com/2016/05/x-men-apocalypse-alice-through-the-looking-glass-memorial-day-weekend-box-office-1201763668/ |url-status=live }} on its way to grossing $79.8 million over the four-day Memorial weekend,{{cite news |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/box-office-top-20-men-lags-alice-flops-39514877 |title=Box office top 20: X-Men lags and Alice flops |website=ABC News |agency=Associated Press |date=May 31, 2016 |access-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-date=June 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603003748/http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/box-office-top-20-men-lags-alice-flops-39514877 |url-status=live }} including $9 million from 480 premium large format screens and $19 million from RealD screens.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2016/05/x-men-apocalypse-alice-through-the-looking-glass-memorial-day-weekend-box-office-1201763668/ |title=Apocalypse & Alice take a dive on Saturday as Memorial Day b.o. bloodbath continues – late night update |first=Anthony |last=D'Alessandro |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=May 28, 2016 |access-date=May 29, 2016 |archive-date=May 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528142410/https://deadline.com/2016/05/x-men-apocalypse-alice-through-the-looking-glass-memorial-day-weekend-box-office-1201763668/ |url-status=live }} In its second weekend the film grossed $22.3 million (a drop of 66.1%), finishing second at the box office behind Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2016/06/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-2-me-before-you-pop-star-weekend-box-office-1201766674/ |title=Ninja Turtles 2 muscles up on Saturday for OK est. $35.3M opening; Me Before You opens to $18.3M – Sunday AM b.o. update |first=Anthony |last=D'Alessandro |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=June 5, 2016 |access-date=June 5, 2016 |archive-date=February 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211230244/https://deadline.com/2016/06/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-2-me-before-you-pop-star-weekend-box-office-1201766674/ |url-status=live }}

Elsewhere, X-Men: Apocalypse was released one week before the United States in 76 markets, and grossed $101.5 million from 20,796 screens over the May 18 weekend. It debuted at no. 1 in 71 of those markets, with IMAX contributing $5 million from 246 screens in 57 markets, while RealD took in $18.4 million.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2016/05/x-men-apocalypse-captain-america-angry-birds-weekend-results-international-box-office-1201760967/ |title=X-Men: Apocalypse dawns with $103.3M; Angry Birds sings $55.5M; Zootopia #4 animated pic ever WW – intl box office |first=Nancy |last=Tartaglione |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=May 22, 2016 |access-date=May 23, 2016 |archive-date=May 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525134847/http://deadline.com/2016/05/x-men-apocalypse-captain-america-angry-birds-weekend-results-international-box-office-1201760967/ |url-status=live }} It broke opening records for Fox in the Philippines ($4.9 million), India ($3.4 million), Indonesia ($3.1 million), Singapore ($2.8 million), Thailand ($2.7 million) and Colombia ($1.9 million), and had the biggest opening in the X-Men franchise in 33 markets, including Russia ($6.5 million). Its top openings were the United Kingdom ($10.5 million), Mexico ($8.6 million), Brazil ($6.6 million), Russia ($6.5 million) and France ($5.9 million). It opened in China on June 3 and brought in $59 million, the second-largest Fox opening in China and $20 million more than Days of Future Past.{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=4194&p=.htm |title=Ninja Turtles 2 opens #1 with soft $35M while Zootopia crosses $1 billion worldwide |website=Box Office Mojo |date=June 5, 2016 |access-date=June 5, 2016 |archive-date=June 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605215533/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=4194&p=.htm |url-status=live }} It opened next in Japan on August 11.

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, X-Men: Apocalypse holds an approval rating of {{RT data|score}} based on 334 reviews and an average rating of {{RT data|average}}. The website's critical consensus reads, "Overloaded action and a clichéd villain take the focus away from otherwise strong performers and resonant themes, making X-Men: Apocalypse a middling chapter of the venerable superhero franchise."{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/x_men_apocalypse|title=X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)|website=Rotten Tomatoes|publisher=Fandango|access-date={{RT data|access date}}|archive-date=May 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506052222/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/x_men_apocalypse|url-status=live}}{{RT data|edit}} On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 52 out of 100, based on 48 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/movie/x-men-apocalypse |title=X-Men: Apocalypse reviews |publisher=CBS Interactive |website=Metacritic |access-date=June 4, 2016 |archive-date=June 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160628085117/http://www.metacritic.com/movie/x-men-apocalypse |url-status=live }} Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A−" on an A+ to F scale, while those at PostTrak gave it an overall positive score of 81% and a "definite recommend" of 62% .{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2016/05/x-men-apocalypse-alice-through-the-looking-glass-memorial-day-weekend-box-office-1201763668/ |title=X-Men: Apocalypse firing off $90M, Alice taking a spill with $40M over 4 day Memorial Day holiday |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=May 26, 2016 |archive-date=May 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528142410/https://deadline.com/2016/05/x-men-apocalypse-alice-through-the-looking-glass-memorial-day-weekend-box-office-1201763668/ |url-status=live }}

Scott Mendelson of Forbes described the film as a "franchise killing disaster" writing "X-Men: Apocalypse is the kind of weightless, soulless trifle of a bore that makes comic book superhero movies look bad and makes me not look forward to the next installment."{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2016/05/09/review-x-men-apocalypse-is-franchise-killing-disaster/ |title=X-Men: Apocalypse review: It's a franchise-killing disaster |website=Forbes |access-date=September 18, 2017 |archive-date=October 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022025127/https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2016/05/09/review-x-men-apocalypse-is-franchise-killing-disaster/ |url-status=live }} Birth.Movies.Death stated the film was a fiasco and a low point for the franchise, criticizing its action scenes, CGI, Oscar Isaac's Apocalypse, its lack of story, and waste of various X-Men characters.{{cite web | url=https://birthmoviesdeath.com/2016/05/27/x-men-apocalypse-review-a-fiasco-that-dares-taint-oscar-isaac | title=X-MEN: APOCALYPSE Review: A Fiasco That Dares Taint Oscar Isaac | date=May 27, 2016 | access-date=October 4, 2022 | archive-date=October 4, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004071523/https://birthmoviesdeath.com/2016/05/27/x-men-apocalypse-review-a-fiasco-that-dares-taint-oscar-isaac | url-status=live }}

Ignatiy Vishnevetsky of The A.V. Club commented, "Much of what makes X-Men: Apocalypse legitimately interesting also makes it frustrating and lopsided, since Singer and screenwriter-producer Simon Kinberg remain committed to the structure of an overlong comic-book blockbuster, complete with a climax in which the world has to be saved using as many different colors of energy beam as possible."{{cite web |last=Vishnevetsky |first=Ignatiy |title=Apocalypse pits the strengths of the X-Men series against the weaknesses |url=https://www.avclub.com/review/apocalypse-pits-strengths-x-men-series-against-wea-236770 |website=The A.V. Club |date=May 23, 2016 |access-date=February 19, 2020 |archive-date=August 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819102808/http://www.avclub.com/review/apocalypse-pits-strengths-x-men-series-against-wea-236770 |url-status=live }} Mike Ryan of Uproxx disparaged the film's story as redundant and stale, arguing "I get it: Life is hard for mutants. We all get it. It's literally the only thing mutants ever seem to talk about. It is odd that other superheroes seem to get to have some fun, but never the X-Men. Here we are, 16 years later, and everyone involved is still sad. It feels repetitive."{{cite web |url=http://uproxx.com/movies/x-men-apocalypse-review/ |title=X-Men: Apocalypse is a waste of a perfectly good Oscar Isaac |website=Uproxx |date=May 9, 2016 |access-date=May 9, 2016 |archive-date=May 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160510001302/http://uproxx.com/movies/x-men-apocalypse-review/ |url-status=live }} Helen O'Hara of Empire criticized the storytelling and performances of the main cast, stating that the film "was a failed callback to various past glories."{{cite web |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/x-men-apocalypse/review/ |title=X-Men: Apocalypse'' review |last=O'Hara |first=Helen |date=May 17, 2016 |website=Empire Online |access-date=December 1, 2016 |archive-date=May 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529001051/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/x-men-apocalypse/review/ |url-status=live }}

On the other hand, Mick LaSalle from the San Francisco Chronicle gave the film a positive review, calling it "a thinking person's action movie" and complimenting its high stakes.{{cite news |title=X-Men: Apocalypse a thinking person's action movie |newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle |url=http://www.sfgate.com/movies/article/X-Men-Apocalypse-a-thinking-person-s-7463014.php |access-date=May 12, 2016 |archive-date=May 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513123352/http://www.sfgate.com/movies/article/X-Men-Apocalypse-a-thinking-person-s-7463014.php |url-status=live }} Richard Roeper called the film "a visual feast" and lauded its cast, saying "Even the hardcore geeks who like to get their Comic-Con on, might be feeling a little superhero fatigue right about now. Still. You owe it to yourself to see Quicksilver do his thing."{{cite news |url=http://chicago.suntimes.com/entertainment/quicksilvers-heroics-rev-up-routine-x-men-apocalypse/ |title=Quicksilver's heroics rev up routine X-Men: Apocalypse |last=Roeper |first=Richard |newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times |date=May 24, 2016 |access-date=September 1, 2016 |archive-date=September 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160912120046/http://chicago.suntimes.com/entertainment/quicksilvers-heroics-rev-up-routine-x-men-apocalypse/ |url-status=live }}

Oscar Isaac, who played the title character Apocalypse, later expressed his disappointment with the film, commenting "Apocalypse, that was excruciating, I didn't know when I said yes that that was what was going to be happening. That I was going to be encased in glue, latex, and a 40-pound suit—that I had to wear a cooling mechanism at all times. I couldn't move my head, ever. And I had to sit on a specially designed saddle, because that's the only thing I could really sit on, and I would be rolled into a cooling tent in-between takes. And so I just wouldn't ever talk to anybody, and I was just gonna be sitting and I couldn't really move, and like, sweating inside the mask and the helmet. And then getting it off was the worst part, because they just had to kind of scrape it off for hours and hours." In an interview with The New York Times, he later remarked when asked that he doesn't "disown the film", though he wished they would have taken care of the character of Apocalypse a little better.{{cite web | url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/oscar-isaac-x-men-apocalypse-refuses-disown-1235255762/ | title=Oscar Isaac: I Don't Disown 'X-Men: Apocalypse,' but 'I Wish It Would've Been a Better Film' | date=May 2, 2022 | access-date=October 5, 2022 | archive-date=October 5, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005003404/https://variety.com/2022/film/news/oscar-isaac-x-men-apocalypse-refuses-disown-1235255762/ | url-status=live }}

{{main|Dark Phoenix (film)}}

In May 2016, Simon Kinberg said the next X-Men film would be set in the 1990s.{{cite web |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/684693-simon-kinberg-confirms-the-next-x-men-movie-will-be-set-in-the-90s#/slide/1 |title=Simon Kinberg confirms the next X-Men movie will be set in the '90s |website=Comingsoon.net |date=May 9, 2016 |access-date=May 10, 2016 |last=Perry |first=Spencer |archive-date=June 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626030952/http://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/684693-simon-kinberg-confirms-the-next-x-men-movie-will-be-set-in-the-90s#/slide/1 |url-status=live }} He separately said the post-credits scene mentioning the Essex Corporation was related to Logan (2017), and that it could have ties to Gambit as well as the following X-Men film.{{cite web |url=https://collider.com/x-men-apocalypse-post-credits-scene/ |title=X-Men: Apocalypse post-credits scene teased |date=May 11, 2016 |website=Collider |access-date=February 19, 2020 |archive-date=February 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225020955/https://collider.com/x-men-apocalypse-post-credits-scene/ |url-status=live }} Bryan Singer said he would be interested in having the villain Proteus in an X-Men film.{{cite web |url=https://screenrant.com/x-men-movie-proteus-bryan-singer/ |title=X-Men: Bryan Singer wants to see Proteus in a future movie |date=March 28, 2016 |website=Screen Rant |access-date=February 19, 2020 |archive-date=May 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200517065301/https://screenrant.com/x-men-movie-proteus-bryan-singer/ |url-status=live }} He also said he would be stepping away from the franchise, but could envision returning later in some capacity.{{cite news |last=Rottenberg |first=Josh |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-bryan-singer-xmen-apocalypse-20160526-snap-story.html |title=X-Men director Bryan Singer reveals how he built the Apocalypse |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=May 30, 2016 |access-date=May 30, 2016 |archive-date=May 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531115824/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-bryan-singer-xmen-apocalypse-20160526-snap-story.html |url-status=live }} Amidst allegations of sexual abuse in 2017, Singer was removed from production after being involved in the earliest production stage.{{cite web |website=Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/how-jessica-chastain-emerged-as-a-leader-gender-equality-1117361 |title=How Jessica Chastain emerged as a leader in gender equality |date=June 6, 2018 |access-date=October 23, 2019 |archive-date=June 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180608073509/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/how-jessica-chastain-emerged-as-a-leader-gender-equality-1117361 |url-status=live }} The film's sequel, Dark Phoenix, was released on June 7, 2019.{{cite magazine |last=Romano |first=Nick |url=https://ew.com/movies/2017/04/22/dark-phoenix-confirmed-after-x-men-apocalypse/ |title=Dark Phoenix confirmed after X-Men: Apocalypse |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=April 22, 2017 |access-date=April 22, 2017 |archive-date=April 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423013544/http://ew.com/movies/2017/04/22/dark-phoenix-confirmed-after-x-men-apocalypse/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |url=https://deadline.com/2018/03/20th-century-fox-release-dates-bohemian-rhapsody-dark-phoenix-the-new-mutants-1202353890/ |title=20th Century Fox shuffles release dates for Bohemian Rhapsody, Dark Phoenix & more |last=Ramos |first=Dino-Ray |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=March 26, 2018 |access-date=July 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329190103/https://deadline.com/2018/03/20th-century-fox-release-dates-bohemian-rhapsody-dark-phoenix-the-new-mutants-1202353890/ |archive-date=March 29, 2018 |url-status=live}}

{{reflist}}

{{Wikiquote}}

• {{Official website |https://family.20thcenturystudios.com/movies/x-men-apocalypse}}
• {{IMDb title|3385516}}
• {{Metacritic film}}
• {{Mojo title|x-men2016}}
• {{Rotten Tomatoes|x_men_apocalypse}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20160725145135/https://www.schoolforthegifted.com/ Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters] viral marketing website (archived)

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