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Your favorite mutants are back! [Photo Credit: Disney+]
The X-Men are coming back!
The iconic team of mutants has returned to action with X-Men ’97 — the sequel to the iconic animated series X-Men.
With a mix of nostalgia and fresh adventures, the new series offers an epic journey into the world of Marvel’s mutants.
Whether you’re a diehard fan who watched the show every Saturday morning or a newcomer to the adventures of X-Men, grab your favorite snacks and join us as we explore the exciting world of the X-Men ’97!
(By the way, this article contains spoilers, so if you haven’t watched the ‘90s animated series or read the comics about the brave mutants, get cozy and start exploring the stories about the X-Men!)
What Is X-Men ’97?
X-Men ’97 is the long-awaited continuation of the legendary animated series X-Men.
The original series aired from 1992 to 1997 and it helped popularize the X-Men characters beyond the world of comics.
The show was a massive hit with audiences and X-Men ’97 continues the story of the X-Men in the same style as the original, hence the ’97 in the title — the reference to the year the original series ended.
The title is also kind of a nod to the nostalgia that many fans have for the original series and the ’90s era of superhero animation.
X-Men ’97 features the original voice cast and the plot picks up where the first series left off.
The original series ended with a touching farewell between the X-Men and Professor Xavier, as they say goodbye to each other and set out on their own paths.
The team defeated the evil Magneto and prevented him from turning all humans into mutants.
However, the series also left some questions unanswered.
Henry Peter Gyrich gravely injured Professor Xavier. Although it seemed that Professor X might not make it, Empress Lilandra saved him and took him to space to have him cured by the Shi’Ar Empire.
With Professor X gone, a reformed Magneto took over the Xavier Institute, leaving us with a question — what’s going to happen with the X-Men now that Magneto took over? Will Professor X return?
Let’s take a look at what the X-Men ’97 is about.
X-Men ’97 Characters
X-Men ’97 features all the popular mutants and their foes, including Wolverine, Jean Grey, Storm, Gambit, Jubilee, Beast, Cyclops and Professor X.
Cyclops and Storm are the main characters in the series:
Storm and CYLCOPS are the main characters lol https://t.co/nWEk1vg9YI
— Beau DeMayo (@beau_demayo) May 3, 2023
Both Storm and Cyclops have led the X-Men in the comics, and we’re excited to see them in the series’ spotlight.
We also know that Nightcrawler, Bishop and Beast will return to the series.
At the 60 Uncanny Years live event which celebrated 60 years of the X-Men, DeMayo also said that the main villain in the new series will be Mister Sinister!
Of course, Magneto will also be there as the leader of the X-Men, after Professor X’s departure to the Shi’Ar Empire.
This means that we’re likely to see a showdown between Mister Sinister and Magneto, and we are super excited about that!
Emma Frost and Sebastian Shaw (from the Hellfire Club), Callisto (the Morlock leader) and government agent Val Cooper will also make an appearance:
#XMen97: Emma Frost, Sebastian Shaw, Callisto are returning. Mr. Sinister is back in a big way! #SDCC #MarvelStudios #Marvel pic.twitter.com/hV1yopwxoM
— The Illuminerdi (@The_Illuminerdi) July 22, 2022
Most of the surviving cast members are going to reprise their roles, which will make the fans of the original series particularly happy. The stellar voice cast will include Cal Dodd as Wolverine, Catherine Disher as Jean Grey, George Buza as Beast, Alyson Court as Jubilee and Lenore Zann as Rogue.
During San Diego Comic Con in 2022, Marvel shared the first look at the new X-Men.
The new series will stay true to the original design and, as far as we could see, the cast looks almost the same as in the ’92 series.
Storm, though, looks like she’ll have a new hairdo and Jean won’t wear her ponytail anymore:
look at the X-Men!! they’re all my friends pic.twitter.com/aMRdGwrnIh
— Rachel Paige (@rachmeetsworld) July 22, 2022
Instead of seeing Magneto in his usual crimson and purple helmet, he’ll sport long hair and his costume will look very much superhero-like. This makes sense since he’ll put his villainous past behind him in the new series.
Magneto will wear the purple suit that he first wore in Uncanny X-Men #200 (1985), when he became the headmaster at Professor X’s School for Gifted Children. He’ll have a cloak, a giant “M” on his chest and tight opera gloves that were fashionable back in the ‘80s:
Magneto will be the leader of the X-Men in ‘X-MEN 97’. #SDCC pic.twitter.com/JwpIZF5dBG
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) July 22, 2022
The X-Men ’97 Team
Since we now know which characters will be a part of the X-Men ’97 team, let’s get to know each of them a bit better.
1. Wolverine
With his tough exterior and no-nonsense attitude, Wolverine is one of the most iconic and beloved characters in the X-Men universe.
As a mutant, he was born with special powers.
He has razor-sharp claws that he can extend from his hands. He looks SCARY when he pulls them out!
Wolverine also has regenerative abilities, which allow him to heal fast from injuries and recover from near-fatal wounds.
Wolverine sometimes acts as a lone wolf and wants to work alone rather than as part of a team (we feel you, Wolvie). But he’s also fiercely loyal to his friends and will do whatever it takes to protect them!
2. Jean Grey
Jean Grey is known for her telekinetic and telepathic abilities.
Her abilities are so powerful that she’s among the strongest female comic book characters.
Jean can move objects with her mind, read the thoughts of others and manipulate reality to her liking.
However, her powers can also be a double-edged sword, as they can sometimes be difficult to control — particularly when she is under stress.
In addition to her powers, Jean is known for her intelligence and compassion. She has a strong moral compass and is always willing to fight for what is right, even if it means putting herself in harm’s way.
3. Storm
Storm has the ability to control the weather, including wind, rain and lightning. You wouldn’t want to mess with her!
Storm is a natural leader and we’re excited to see her take on a prominent role in X-Men ’97.
She’s also known for her calm and level-headed approach to problem-solving, as well as her unwavering sense of justice and compassion, which, alongside her powers, make her a force to be reckoned with!
4. Cyclops
Cyclops is a central member of the X-Men and one of the team’s most iconic leaders.
He has a tactical mind and the ability to stay cool under pressure — even in the most dangerous situations.
Cyclops’ mutant power is the ability to fire powerful optic blasts from his eyes. He’s also an expert marksman, able to hit even the smallest targets with incredible accuracy.
Aside from his great combat skills, Cyclops is a deeply principled and dedicated leader who always puts the safety of his team first. He always finds a way to balance out the diverse and colorful personalities on the team with his serious demeanor.
Cyclops has faced numerous personal challenges over the years.
He grew up without his parents, believing that they had died in a plane crash, which has left him with a deep sense of responsibility for those around him.
5. Gambit
Gambit can manipulate and charge objects with kinetic energy. He hails from New Orleans and has a distinct Cajun accent, which adds to his charm and charisma.
Gambit is known for his roguish and mysterious personality.
He often clashes with the other members of the X-Men, but ultimately he is a loyal and valuable teammate who always has his friends’ backs.
Beyond his powers, Gambit is a skilled thief. He has a complicated past and has been involved with various criminal organizations throughout his life, which makes his multi-dimensional character all the more interesting to explore.
6. Jubilee
Jubilee is an energetic member of the X-Men team with the ability to generate pyrotechnic energy blasts from her hands.
She has an upbeat personality and loves pop culture — especially all things related to mall culture and fashion.
Jubilee is one of the younger members of the X-Men, so it’s not surprising that she often brings a fresh perspective to the team.
She is also fiercely independent and has a rebellious streak, which sometimes puts her at odds with the more traditional members of the X-Men.
Jubilee is a relatable and down-to-earth character with a tragic backstory. She was orphaned at a young age, but despite her difficult past, she’s a lovable and fun character who brings a unique energy to the team.
7. Beast
Beast has a unique appearance that sets him apart from his teammates, with his blue fur and sharp claws.
He possesses impressive strength, agility and heightened senses.
Beast is known for his intellectual prowess and often serves as the team’s resident genius.
He has expertise in various fields such as science, technology and literature, and his vast knowledge often comes in handy to the team during missions.
Despite his scary appearance, Beast is a gentle and compassionate soul who values the well-being of his friends and allies above all else.
He often acts as a mediator during conflicts within the team and is always willing to lend an ear to those in need.
8. Bishop
Bishop is a time-traveling mutant from a dystopian future, where mutants are hunted down and persecuted by humans.
In the present day, he joins the X-Men and becomes a valuable member of the team.
Bishop possesses the ability to absorb energy and use it as blasts. He also has enhanced physical abilities and access to advanced weaponry from his future timeline. Bishop is often depicted as a tough, no-nonsense character, and that’s just what the X-Men will need to fight Mister Sinister.
9. Nightcrawler
Nightcrawler sports a unique appearance, with blue skin, yellow eyes and a prehensile tail.
He also has the ability to teleport short distances.
Despite his unusual appearance, Nightcrawler is a kind and compassionate guy who often provides a sense of optimism to the X-Men team.
He is deeply religious and struggles with feelings of guilt and shame over his mutant abilities. His unique abilities were the reason he was persecuted by humans in the past.
Nightcrawler is also a skilled acrobat and fighter, with a strong sense of loyalty to his friends and teammates.
10. Professor X
Charles Xavier, also known as Professor X, is the founder and leader of the X-Men.
He is a mutant with powerful telepathic abilities that allow him to read and control minds, communicate with others telepathically and project powerful psychic energy.
Professor X is a compassionate and wise leader.
He created the X-Men to promote peaceful coexistence between mutants and humans, and he has dedicated his life to fighting for mutant rights.
Professor X is also a renowned scientist and inventor, and he has developed many advanced technologies and tools to help mutants harness and control their powers.
Despite his many achievements, Professor X has also faced many challenges and tragedies over the years.
He has lost many of his closest friends and allies, and he has struggled with his own morality and the ethical implications of his powers.
Although Magneto will replace him as the leader of the X-Men in the series’ sequel, we expect Professor X to show up in some shape and form in the new episodes!
11. Magneto
Max Eisenhardt or Erik Lehnsherr, a.k.a., Magneto, is one of the most iconic and complex characters in the X-Men universe.
He’s a mutant with the power to control magnetic fields, which allows him to manipulate metal and create devastating magnetic waves.
The thing that sets Magneto apart from other mutants is his ideology.
He believes that mutants are superior to humans and that they should rule over humans — not the other way around.
This has put him in direct conflict with the X-Men, who believe in peaceful coexistence between mutants and humans.
Magneto’s past also plays a significant role in shaping his character. He survived the Holocaust as a child, which gave him a deep-seated hatred of prejudice and discrimination. This trauma has fueled his desire to protect and empower mutants at any cost.
Despite his extremist beliefs, Magneto is not a one-dimensional villain.
He’s a nuanced character and has often found himself in morally ambiguous situations. He has fought alongside the X-Men on occasion, showing that his motives and loyalties are not always clear-cut.
We can’t wait to see him in the role of the X-Men leader and find out how his storyline will develop!
What We Know About The X-Men ’97 Release Date And Plot
X-Men ’97 is set to premier in the fall of 2023 on Disney+.
So far, no official trailer’s been released, but we do know some interesting details about the series.
We’ve learned that the story will take place several months after the X-Men said their goodbyes to Professor X.
During X-Men: 60 Uncanny Years, we heard that the series’ official synopsis is this:
“Storm and Wolverine try to continue the X-Men. Magneto comes in and wants to step up for Charles Xavier. Sinister comes in to try to end the X-Men once and for all.”
We already know that there will be second season, so it’s going to be interesting to see how and if the X-Men team will change with Professor X gone and how they’ll face Mister Sinister and his evil squad.
Since the series will introduce Magneto on the same side as the X-Men, empathy and redemption will likely be prominent themes in X-Men ’97. And who knows, they may also translate to Mister Sinister in some way.
A Recap On X-Men ‘97
X-Men ’97 is one of the most highly anticipated projects this year from Marvel Studios and Disney+.
The original series has an iconic status and is a fan-favorite for a good reason.
The fact that X-Men ’97 won’t be a reboot, but a sequel to the original, is all the more reason to get excited for the new episodes launching in the fall of 2023.
The ‘90s show has left an indelible mark on pop culture and continues to inspire new generations of X-Men fans today. There’s no doubt that the new series will attract both old and new audiences, making everyone excited about the new adventures of the legendary X-Men!
