X-Men ’97 Looks Better Than Fans Could’ve Hoped, See The Amazing Return
Extraordinary news today as Disney released the first trailer for the upcoming X-Men ’97, which greeted fans with a dose of nostalgia. The latest series from Marvel Animation is the much-anticipated continuation of the original X-Men: The Animated Series from the ‘90s. The series served as an entry point for many fans of the X-Men and the characters of Marvel Comics.
The Disney+ series X-Men ’97 trailer opens with a very nostalgic sequence–the final episode of the X-Men: The Animated Series ending airing on a television set. The final episode, “Graduation Day,” aired on September 20, 1997, and saw the notorious X-Men without a leader as Charles Xavier was Fatally wounded. X-Men ’97 continues this plot in the fast-past trailer as the camera pans in on the television.
X-Men ’97 hopes to recapture the glory of X-Men: The Animated Series – one of television’s most beloved and influential superhero animated series.
The X-Men ’97 trailer gives us the original series team and several voice actors reprising their roles. Glimpses of the trailer showcase anti-mutant protests, with Cyclops saying, “We have to stay vigilant; the professor entrusted us with his dream,” while Charles Xavier’s casket lowers into the ground. Battles against the gigantic robotic Sentinels ensue, the trailer leads up to the reveal of Magneto being the heir to The Xavier Institute.
X-Men ’97 hopes to recapture the glory of X-Men: The Animated Series — one of television’s most beloved and influential superhero animated series. Premiering in 1992, the show was part of the wave of successful ’90s Marvel cartoons. Developed by Eric Lewald and Sidney Iwanter, the series brought the iconic X-Men characters from the pages of Marvel Comics to life with compelling storylines and dynamic animation.
“Everything he built now belongs to me.”
-Magneto on Xavier’s estate in the X-Men’ 97 trailer
It was praised for its faithfulness to the source material, as well as for tackling complex themes such as prejudice, discrimination, and identity while maintaining an entertaining, action-packed narrative.
The show’s popularity soared, earning a dedicated fanbase of both comic book enthusiasts and casual viewers. Its impact extended beyond television screens, influencing future adaptations of the X-Men franchise in film and other media. X-Men: The Animated Series also introduced a new generation to the rich mythology and diverse roster of characters within the X-Men universe.
The cast featured talented voice actors who brought the characters to life with memorable performances. Notable cast members included Cal Dodd as Wolverine, Norm Spencer as Cyclops, Lenore Zann as Rogue, and George Buza as Beast.
“We have to stay vigilant; the professor entrusted us with his dream…”
-Cyclops in the X-Men ’97 trailer
Hearing these actors reprise the roles in X-Men ’97 is no doubt a joy for longtime fans. Certain moments, like Cyclops using Professor X’s catchphrase, “Come to me, my X-Men,” is likely to send shivers down the spines of X-Men: The Animated Series fans.
The much-anticipated X-Men ’97 series will be released exclusively on Disney+ this March, where fans can rewatch the classic series before its release. Fans of the X-Men movies can also look forward to this summer’s Deadpool & Wolverine.
