‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ Casts Ben Hardy in a Mysterious ‘Key Role’

The cast of X-Men Apocalypse has certainly been shaping up—the upcoming sequel to Days of Future Past will primarily focus on the First Class cast in the ‘80s as they face their most Earth-shattering foe yet. We’re all well-acquainted the big names attached to Bryan Singer’s next installment, but you might not be too familiar with the latest star to join the franchise. Ben Hardy, known best for his role on EastEnders, has signed on for X-Men: Apocalypse, and while you might not know that name just yet, he’s apparently landed a “significant” role.

According to Variety, Hardy has joined the cast of X-Men: Apocalypse in an unspecified “key role.” Although details about Hardy’s part in the film have not yet been revealed, it’s being reported that his role is “significant to the X-Men universe.” Let the speculation begin! Hardy could very well be playing the role of Angel/Archangel, first played by Ben Foster in X-Men: The Last Stand.

In the comics, Angel was a founding member of the X-Men and the heir/CEO of Worthington Industries. At one point, Angel was in love with Jean Grey, who ultimately chose to be with Scott Summers. Later renamed Archangel in the ‘80s, the hero was taken by the villain Apocalypse, who genetically-modified the winged mutant and turned him into Death, the leader of Apocalypse’s Horsemen.

Angel is a good possibility, as the character does indeed play an important role in X-Men history, and given Hardy’s looks, he’s kind of perfect for the part.

X-Men: Apocalypse also features Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy reprising their roles from the franchise, with new additions Sophie Turner, Tye Sheridan and Alexandra Shipp recently cast as young Jean Grey, Scott Summers and Storm, respectively. It’s also been recently rumored that Evan Peters will return as Quicksilver.

Singer is currently in production on X-Men: Apocalypse, which hits theaters on May 27, 2016.