Will X-Men: Apocalypse Be Nicholas Hoult's Last Movie As Beast?

Actor Nicholas Hoult, who has taken the role of Hank McCoy/Beast in the last two ‘X-Men’ movies, has confirmed that the next installment ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ marks the end of his existing contract with 20th Century Fox - meaning it could be his last appearance in the blue fur.

Speaking to E! Online at SXSW, Hoult confirms, “This is the last one I’m signed up for.” Still, the British actor says he’d be happy to stay on as Beast.

"The first one did so well and [Days of Future Past] got received so brilliantly… It’s like, ‘Wow, people really want to see the films’ and the best thing is it’s a great crew and cast to work with and he’s a fun character. I have a good time playing him so I’d keep making them."

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Given that Hoult’s contract was for three films, it seems likely the same is also true of his ‘First Class’ and ‘Days of Future Past’ co-stars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jennifer Lawrence. This certainly raises questions as to where the X-Movies will go from here cast-wise.

Whilst the 1980s-set ‘Apocalypse’ is set to re-introduce three of the original X-Men - Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, Alexandra Shipp as Storm, Tye Sheridan as Cyclops and Kodi Smit-McPhee as Nightcrawler - there have been murmurs that it could also mark the end of the prequel cycle begun by the 1962-set ‘First Class’ and the 1973-set ‘Days of Future Past.’

One pressing question is whether, Hoult aside, the existing cast would be willing to stay on. Lawrence and Fassbender in particular have seen their star status rise considerably since ‘X-Men: First Class,’ doubtless pushing up their asking price - and as such most likely harming their chances of signing on for further X-Movies.

Reports are that the Magneto/Mystique/Beast love triangle established in ‘First Class’ will be prominent in ‘Apocalypse’ - so perhaps Fox are intent on making the most of these particular stars whilst they still have them.

That said, two other largely bankable stars - Ryan Reynolds and Channing Tatum - are lined up to join the X-Men universe in the title roles of ‘Deadpool’ and ‘Gambit’ respectively, and that other superstar Hugh Jackman has happily stayed with the series from the beginning. So who’s to say the others might not stay on too?

Whatever happens, ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ is due to hit cinemas on 21st May 2016 - slap bang in the middle between ‘Deadpool’ on 12 February and ‘Gambit’ on 16 October the same year.

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Picture Credit: 20th Century Fox