Marvel Studios’ Disney Plus animated show X-Men ’97 has created an astounding buzz since its announcement. Of course, the show is on the road to revisiting nostalgia carrying the essence of the beloved Fox Kids show X-Men: The Animated Series. But before greenlighting the project.
Kevin Feige Had Two Subtle Demands For X- Men ’97
X-Men ’97. Image Credit: Marvel Animations
Marvel Studios head of streaming Brad Winderbaum, as he revealed to The Hollywood Reporter had always intended to revive the X-Men: The Animated Series that was aired in the 90s. But the show would not be a mere reboot rather it would revive from where the original show ended. But Marvel’s President, despite his keen interest in the project had two subtle demands which made the show even more exciting.
“Following the success of What If…?, when we were able to make more animated shows, [X-Men ’97] was my first idea out of the box. And Kevin was like, ‘Alright, if we can get the [original] cast and we can get the song, let’s do it.’ And fortunately, we were able to do that,” Winderbaum told THR.
Fair enough, Feige’s immaculate ideas for the project have certainly elevated the primary essence of the show, as nostalgic as it is, the original cast and the song would be the soul of the upcoming Disney Plus series.
A Passion Project Of Brad Winderbaum
A still from X-Men ’97. Image Credit: Marvel Animations
X-Men ’97 was born out of profound love for the original FOX show, it was a fan favorite and neatly crafted show with astounding appeal. “It really came from a place of passion and love,” Winderbaum told THR of shaping up the project.
“To be honest with you. I would rank [X-Men: The Animated Series] near the top of the most influential stories to me, personally, and to so many creative minds that have come through these doors. It comes up in conversation constantly, and I don’t think it could be understated how quietly influential that original series has been to filmmakers of a certain kind at a certain time.”
But there was a set of challenges and that was not just on the premise of reviving the show, Winderbaum added, “The creative challenge of this show is in not just reviving, but emulating and honoring a show that was made 30 years ago.”
“So, using all of our creative strength through this amazing array of artists and animators — and even the voice talent and the music and everyone that has touched the show — our guiding principle is trying to emulate our memory of it. So that’s one of the reasons why we brought in [X-Men: The Animated Series showrunners] Eric and Julia Lewald and [X-Men: The Animated Series producer/director] Larry Houston. We worked so closely with them throughout the process so that they could, in a way, train us on how they made the original show and what their limitations were.”
As for the new show is concerned, it looks promising as the trailer gives insights into what fans are ready to witness. X-Men ’97 stars Ray Chase, Jennifer Hale, Alison Sealy-Smith, Cal Dodd, J. P. Karliak, Lenore Zann, George Buza, A. J. LoCascio, Holly Chou, Isaac Robinson-Smith, Matthew Waterson, and Adrian Hough featuring Haim Saban’s iconic theme song.
X-Men ’97 debuts on Disney Plus on 20 March 2024.
