Oscar Isaac Says Heavy Costume Kept Him From Seeing Co-Stars in X-Men: Apocalypse

Oscar Isaac has again opened up about the difficulties he faced while filming X-Men: Apocalypse (2016), describing the experience as physically overwhelming and creatively limiting.

Speaking on the YouTube series Hot Ones in April 2026, Isaac explained that one of the main reasons he accepted the role of the villain Apocalypse was the opportunity to work alongside actors such as Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender, and James McAvoy. However, he said the reality of filming made that goal largely unattainable.

According to Isaac, the elaborate costume prevented him from properly interacting with his co-stars. The suit, which weighed around 40 pounds and was made from layers of latex, glue, and rubber, severely restricted his movement and visibility. He said he often could not see the other actors, even when sharing scenes with them, because of how enclosed and overheated he was inside the costume.

Between takes, Isaac spent much of his time in a cooling tent designed to help him manage the heat. The suit limited even basic movement, such as turning his head, which made simple interactions difficult. He recalled that by the time he was able to turn around to acknowledge someone, they were often already gone.

The costume also created technical problems during filming. Isaac noted that the materials produced constant squeaking noises when he moved, which meant most of his dialogue had to be re-recorded later through automated dialogue replacement (ADR).

Despite these challenges, Isaac said he does not reject the film or his performance in it. He described the experience as a learning opportunity, particularly in terms of using physical expression while constrained. He referenced Kabuki theater as an influence, where small, controlled movements can convey significant emotion.

X-Men: Apocalypse was released in 2016 and received mixed to negative reviews, especially when compared to its predecessor, Days of Future Past. Isaac has previously referred to the production as a “nightmare,” but his recent comments take a more measured tone, combining humor with reflection on the difficulties of the role.