Jennifer Lawrence rules out playing Mystique again in future ‘X-Men’ films ‘absolutely f***ing not’

The Oscar winner says years of body paint, cold airbrushes and hair damage made the role physically demanding

Jennifer Lawrence has ruled out returning as Mystique in future X-Men films, revealing that the extensive makeup and prosthetics required for the character made the experience particularly difficult.

The Oscar-winning actress played the blue-skinned mutant in four films between 2011 and 2019, beginning with X-Men: First Class. While Lawrence enjoyed performing the character’s stunts and physical training, she said the body paint remained her least favourite part of the role.

Asked by Allure whether she would consider undergoing such an extensive transformation again, Lawrence responded emphatically, “Never say never, but absolutely f***ing not.”

The actress explained that the process involved cold airbrushes, discomfort and long hours in the makeup chair. She also described herself as particularly ticklish, which made the experience even harder.

Lawrence further recalled the physical and mental toll of the demanding process, saying she discovered how little sleep she could function on and how difficult it became to maintain patience.

During an appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast, Lawrence discussed her experience filming X-Men: First Class, revealing that applying Mystique’s makeup took approximately eight hours each time.

“For First Class, it was all body paint and glue. It was eight hours every time and ticklish,” she said, describing the sensation of cold airbrushes moving across her body.

Lawrence also recalled the preparation for her Mystique screen test, during which her hair was dyed several different colours in a single day, including red, brown, black and blonde. She said the process permanently damaged her hair.

Despite the difficult preparation, Lawrence has fond memories of the physical performance involved in playing Mystique. She praised her stunt double, Renee Moneymaker, who also worked with her on The Hunger Games, and described training for the role as a rewarding experience.