Olivia Munn’s Psylocke Was a Missed Opportunity—But Fans Still Can’t Get Enough

Nearly a decade after X-Men: Apocalypse (2016) hit theaters, Olivia Munn’s portrayal of the deadly and enigmatic Psylocke continues to spark discussion. Whether fans adored her fierce presence or lamented the film’s underutilization of the character, one thing is clear—Munn left an impression.

So, how did she land the role? What did it take to become Psylocke? And what are fans saying about her performance in 2025? Let’s break it all down.

How Olivia Munn Landed the Role of Psylocke

By the time X-Men: Apocalypse was in development, Olivia Munn had already built a reputation for her sharp wit, undeniable screen presence, and action-ready energy. She was no stranger to Hollywood, but landing a major role in the X-Men universe was a game-changer.

In 2015, director Bryan Singer confirmed Munn’s casting as Psylocke, one of the Four Horsemen serving the ancient mutant Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac). The announcement sent shockwaves through the fandom—some were ecstatic, others skeptical. Could Munn do justice to the fan-favorite telepathic ninja?

Turns out, she wasn’t just another pretty face looking for a superhero paycheck. Munn was determined to bring Psylocke to life with as much authenticity as possible.

Intense Training: Becoming the Ultimate Psylocke

If anyone thought Olivia Munn was just going to show up, smirk, and let CGI do the work, they were sorely mistaken. She committed to months of brutal training, pushing herself to the limits to embody Psylocke’s martial arts expertise.

Munn trained for six to seven hours a day in gymnastics, taekwondo, and sword fighting—yes, actual sword fighting. She even lost 12 pounds in the process, proving she wasn’t messing around. Unlike some actors who leave the heavy lifting to stunt doubles, Munn insisted on doing her own fight sequences.

In an interview, she explained that she didn’t want Psylocke to just “look cool”—she wanted the movements to be precise and realistic. And when the film was finally released, it showed.

Psylocke in X-Men: Apocalypse: A Standout or a Missed Opportunity?

When X-Men: Apocalypse premiered in 2016, reviews were… mixed, to put it politely. The film was a box office success, raking in over $500 million worldwide, but critics weren’t exactly kind.

Despite the lukewarm reception, Munn’s Psylocke was one of the film’s standout elements. Clad in a comic-accurate, impossibly tight purple bodysuit, wielding her iconic psychic blade, and moving with assassin-like precision, she looked like she had stepped straight out of the pages of X-Men comics.

But there was one glaring issue: she barely had any lines.

For all of Munn’s dedication, Psylocke was given little to do beyond looking dangerous and throwing a few well-choreographed kicks. Fans were divided—some appreciated her presence, while others felt she was wasted in a film overloaded with characters.

What Are Fans Saying About Olivia Munn’s Psylocke in 2025?

Flash forward to 2025, and the discourse around Olivia Munn’s Psylocke is alive and well. While the X-Men franchise has seen major shifts (hello, MCU reboot), many fans still have strong opinions on Munn’s portrayal.

On social media, praise and critique continue to collide:

• “I fell in love with Olivia Munn in X-Men.”
• “Sadly, the character was underutilized. She could have really brought the character to life.”
• “Psylocke slayed with her fierce presence!”
• “I wouldn’t mess with her.”
• “Olivia Munn was incredible as Psylocke in X-Men: Apocalypse!”

It’s clear that while some believe she was a victim of poor script decisions, others still consider her one of the film’s highlights.

Will Olivia Munn Ever Return as Psylocke?

With Marvel Studios now in full control of the X-Men franchise, the question remains—could Olivia Munn return as Psylocke in the MCU?

So far, there’s been no confirmation. But given how vocal fans have been about her performance, it wouldn’t be shocking if Marvel took notice. After all, actors like Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool) and Charlie Cox (Daredevil) have managed to carry over their past portrayals into the MCU. Could Munn be next?

One thing’s for sure: whether you think she was underutilized or absolutely iconic, Olivia Munn’s Psylocke left an impact. And nearly a decade later, people still aren’t done talking about it.