The Marvel Studios logo on display in the 6,500-seat Hall H panel at Comic-Con International
(Phillip Molnar/San Diego Union-Tribune/TNS)
Beware of potential spoilers for “X-Men ‘97.”
In November 2021, Marvel Studios revealed that the first project incorporating the X-Men characters would be a revival of “X-Men: The Animated Series,” which ran from 1992-1997.
The X-Men are back, and “X-Men ‘97” began streaming on Disney+ on March 20.
Marvel couldn’t have made a better reintroduction. They decided the series would be a direct continuation of the original. Additionally, a majority of the voice actors/actresses returned to their roles.
One of the biggest praises I have for this show is the animation style. Not only is it hand-drawn, but it perfectly mimics the 2D cartoon that preceded it. I find this to be so much better than the animation style of “What If…?” mainly because it gives an authentic comic book feeling.
As well, spotlight is given to mutants such as Morph, Magneto, and Cyclops. Morph was badly traumatized in the original series after being mind controlled, but now seeing him as a full-time team member brings a smile to my face.
Cyclops finally has the recognition that he was never given by Fox in the films. He was always seen as an angry, hard-headed team member. Now, he’s seen as a leader who only wants to follow the dream of Charles Xavier.
However, the most important factor in the greatness of the show is how it gives off the same energy as the original. Hearing the words “previously, on X-Men” hits hard. Although the theme may be a remix, it still captures the awesomeness of the 1990s original series.
The continuity is also incredibly important to the story. I enjoy seeing episodes that have aired thirty years ago being directly relevant to the new storylines.
Excitingly enough, the series was initially rated 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is a rare occurrence for Marvel nowadays. As of April 4, it has been renewed for a second and third season before the first is even over.
Additionally, it was announced in September 2022 that Ryan Reynolds would star as Deadpool alongside Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine in “Deadpool and Wolverine.”
The future of the X-Men is going to be massive for Marvel, especially with the excitement that “Deadpool and Wolverine” brings.
There are many mutants confirmed to appear in the film, including Deadpool, Wolverine, Pyro, Sabretooth, Cassandra Nova, Colossus, Negasonic Teenage Warhead, Shatterstar, and Yukio.
However, star Karan Soni (Dopinder) revealed a few weeks ago that there are a very large number of guest appearances.
Will the mutants appear again after “Deadpool and Wolverine?” Absolutely.
Currently, as reported by Deadline, there is an X-Men film in early production at Marvel Studios. There are no details known at this time, but the studio is currently searching for a writer.
Additionally, characters such as Ms. Marvel and Namor are confirmed to be mutants. They are bound to make an appearance soon, perhaps in the next team-up film.
I believe that the future of the MCU depends solely on the rise of mutants, and eventually the X-Men in the Sacred Timeline. This is because their films have always failed when Fox was in charge. However, they were at one point the most popular comic book characters ever.
Something that differentiates the X-Men from the Avengers is that they are universally hated. People look up to the Avengers, but the X-Men are hated just because of their mutated DNA.
With the state of the MCU, growing too far out of the continuity, a singular story is desperately needed. The time of the Avengers is coming to an end, and fans are quickly losing their interests.
Although the X-Men may be portrayed by new, younger actors in the future, it’s great that they, alongside the Fantastic Four, are finally getting recognition as the greatest Marvel franchises.
With that said, “X-Men ‘97” is currently streaming on Disney+, and “Deadpool and Wolverine” will be released in theaters on July 26.
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