The X-Men versus a living god? Yeah... That's not going to end well. But such is life, apparently, when you're Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and co: every 10 years or so, everything goes to hell in a hand basket, usually woven by one of your pals. Check out the latest trailer for X-Men: Apocalypse, which has now arrived online.
It's 1983, and for our heroes, the biggest struggle suddenly isn't trying to live up to the sort of style choices that would kill ordinary mortals. Instead, Charles, Hank "Beast McCoy" (Nick Hoult) and their assembled mutant students and friends are facing down Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac), an ancient forefather of them all, who has awakened after millennia asleep (that's one hell of a snooze button) and decided that the era of Reagan, Thriller and Pop Rocks is not indicative of a civilisation that should survive. So he starts to do a little spring cleaning in a way that would make Roland Emmerich get tingly all over.
And he's not alone; among his "Four Horsemen" is a certain Erik Lensherr (Michael Fassbender), who, despite having foresworn his powers and attempted to live an ordinary, quiet life, just can't escape tragedy. He's now burning with the need for revenge and it's not looking good for our heroes. Fortunately, they have Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence), who has been battling to help mutants all this time, and who reluctantly takes on a leadership role for the latest incarnation of the X-Men, which includes young versions of Jean Grey (Sophie Turner) and Scott "Cyclops" Summers (Tye Sheridan).
Finally – spoiler alert for those who have somehow read this far without watching the trailer itself and haven't seen the news hit the 'net at lightning speed – it's revealed that yes, a familiar figure from the franchise really is in this one. We're a little surprised they didn't keep the secret until the film's release, but we suppose when you've got it, flaunt it, Bub.
And don't forget, you've still a few days left to get hold of Empire's X-men: Apocalypse issue, which is packed with exclusive images and behind-the-scenes information on Singer's latest mutant extravaganza. Pick it up at your local newsagent or cut out the middle man and subsscribe here{
X-Men: Apocalypse will be out in the UK on May 18.