X-MEN

FIRST APPEARANCE: The Cure
VOICED BY:  John Colicos (X-Men);  Ross Marquand (X-Men ’97)

En Sabah Nur, known as Apocalypse, is one of the most powerful and ancient mutants in existence. Born in ancient Egypt, he was abandoned as an infant due to his unnatural appearance but was later raised by a tribe that revered strength above all else. Over centuries, Apocalypse developed a philosophy rooted in survival of the fittest, believing that only the strongest mutants deserved to rule. His access to advanced Celestial technology granted him immortality, shape-shifting abilities, and vast energy manipulation, making him a nearly unstoppable force.

Apocalypse emerges as an antagonist, orchestrating events from the shadows to further his vision of mutant supremacy. He recruits and transforms mutants into his Four Horsemen, including Archangel, whom he manipulates into becoming his servant of Death [Come the Apocalypse]. Apocalypse also attempts to rewrite history using the Axis of Time, seeking to reshape reality itself. His battles with the X-Men, Cable, and Bishop highlight his ability to manipulate time and minds, making him one of their most dangerous foes [Beyond Good and Evil]. Despite numerous defeats, he always finds a way to return, proving that his influence is eternal [The Fifth Horseman].

Apocalypse resurfaces, continuing his pursuit of dominance over mutant kind. His presence looms over the X-Men as he seeks to exploit the chaos left in the wake of Magneto’s rule over Genosha. His ideology remains unchanged- he believes that only through destruction and rebirth can the world be perfected [Tolerance is Extinction (Part 3)].

FILM SERIES

FIRST APPEARANCE: X-Men: Days of Future Past
OTHER APPEARANCES: X-Men: Apocalypse
PLAYED BY: Brendan Pedder (X-Men: Days of Future Past); Oscar Isaac (X-Men: Apocalypse)

En Sabah Nur, known as Apocalypse, is an ancient mutant who was worshipped as a god in Ancient Egypt. He possesses the ability to transfer his consciousness into new bodies, absorbing their powers and extending his lifespan indefinitely. During one such transfer, his followers betray him, causing his pyramid to collapse and entombing him for centuries.

Awakened in 1983, Apocalypse emerges into a world he perceives as weak and misguided. Determined to reshape civilization in his image, he begins recruiting powerful mutants to serve as his Four Horsemen – Storm, Psylocke, Angel, and Magneto – enhancing their abilities and manipulating them into following his vision. His ideology remains rooted in survival of the fittest, believing that only the strongest mutants deserve to rule.

Apocalypse’s plan culminates in an attempt to destroy the world’s existing power structures, using Magneto’s abilities to reshape the planet’s surface. However, the X-Men, led by Professor Xavier, Mystique, and Jean Grey, stand against him. In the final battle, Jean Grey unleashes the Phoenix Force, overwhelming Apocalypse and disintegrating him, ending his reign before he can complete his vision.

X-MEN: EVOLUTION

FIRST APPEARANCE: Dark Horizon (Part 2)
VOICED BY: David Kaye

Apocalypse was sealed away for centuries, locked behind three mystical doors in a hidden tomb. His return was orchestrated by Mesmero, who manipulated events to unlock the tomb and free him. Upon awakening, Apocalypse revealed his ultimate plan – to use the Eye of Ages to forcibly transform all of humanity into mutants, believing that only through this process could the world reach its true evolutionary potential. His ideology was rooted in Social Darwinism, seeing himself as a force of destiny rather than a mere conqueror.

Once freed, Apocalypse wasted no time in asserting his dominance. He transformed Magneto, Mystique, Professor X, and Storm into his Four Horsemen, bending them to his will and using their powers to further his agenda. His presence sent shockwaves through the mutant world, forcing the X-Men and their allies to unite against him. Despite their efforts, Apocalypse remained nearly invincible, his mastery over molecular manipulation, telepathy, and superhuman strength making him one of the most formidable threats they had ever faced.

Ultimately, the X-Men devised a plan to trap Apocalypse within his own technology, sealing him away once more before he could enact his vision of forced mutation. Though defeated, his legacy remained- a reminder that some threats are eternal, waiting for the right moment to rise again.

WOLVERINE AND THE X-MEN

FIRST APPEARANCE: Shades of Grey

In this continuity a silent Apocalypse is in control of Mister Sinister’s actions in the present. After the X-Men successfully prevent the Sentinel timeline from existing, Charles reveals that a new world has taken it’s place, one ruled by Apocalypse.