Oscar Isaac opens up about gruelling 'X-Men' shoot

Oscar Isaac has revealed that his stint as the villain in X-Men: Apocalypse was far from the glamorous superhero gig fans might imagine.

The 47-year-old actor signed up for the 2016 blockbuster with stars like Jennifer Lawrence, James McAvoy, and Michael Fassbender, hoping for a chance to rub shoulders with Hollywood royalty. 

But instead, he spent most of the shoot trapped in a 40-pound costume, prosthetics, and a mask that left him sweating and practically immobile.

Speaking on Hot Ones, Isaac admitted: “One of the big reasons I did the job… all these amazing actors. 

Yeah! And then I never saw any of them because I was so overheated. I couldn’t turn. I just got put in this cooling tent.” 

He added: “Sometimes someone would come by and be like, ‘Hey Oscar.’ By the time I turned around, they were gone already.”

The Star Wars star has previously described the production as “excruciating,” telling GQ that he had to sit on a specially designed saddle and endure hours of prosthetic removal after filming. “Sweating inside the mask and helmet… getting it off was the worst part. They had to scrape it off for hours,” he said.

Despite the discomfort, he insists he has no regrets about taking on the role. 

In a 2022 interview with The New York Times, he reflected fondly on the experience, saying he was drawn to the character of Apocalypse and the chance to work with such a talented cast. 

Fans may remember X-Men: Apocalypse for its mixed reviews, but Isaac’s behind-the-scenes struggle shows that even Hollywood blockbusters come with some serious sacrifices.

RELATED: Jacob Elordi, Oscar Isaac tear up by ‘Frankertein’ 13-min ovation