X-Men: Apocalypse concept art sees Elle Fanning as Jean Grey instead of Sophie Turner

British actress Sophie Turner impressed audiences as mutant Jean Grey in 20th Century Fox's X-Men: Apocalypse, so that it's hard to imagine anyone else as the character now. But as it turns out, other young actresses must have been closer to nabbing the role during the casting stages than some might think if recently released concept art is anything to go by.

In 2014, reports revealed that Pitch Perfect 2's Hailee Steinfeld, Chloë Grace Moretz and Elle Fanning were in the running to play Grey. And while none of the trio actually starred in the movie, costume design artwork has made it obvious what a tight call it might have been between Fanning and Turner when final decisions were being made.

In the imagery by artist Alan Villanueva (shared on Twitter by Greg Hopwood), Grey is wearing the younger X-Men's signature yellow and blue all-in-ones, complete with Marvel Comics-inspired headdress... and Fanning's face.

There's always the chance that the designs were being constructed so early on that Villaneuva simply created a look with each actress in the running in mind. The comic-like costume seen here is wildly different from the more realistic look Turner had in the film, which suggests how in advance these concepts were created by designer Louise Mingenbach.

Based on a storyline from the comic books, villain Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac), the first-ever mutant who has grown more and more powerful since his birth in Ancient Egypt, awakens from thousands of years of suspended animation. Apocalypse soon becomes disgusted by the world he discovers upon his awakening, and puts together a band of powerful mutants, whom he calls the Four Horsemen, to try to eradicate the human race and the gifted ones who stand with them.

As well as showcasing one of Grey's looks, Hopwood also posted a glimpse at Storm's early costume designs, this time created by artist Phillip Boutte Jr. The character, played by Alexandra Shipp, ended up with slightly different style choices, including much shorter hair with cropped sides and less accessories. In the movie, Storm (Ororo Munroe) initially has dark hair, but after Apocalypse recruits her and unleashes her full potential, it turns white.

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