It’s like a play and pause button, fans will not have to strive for the context of X-Men ’97 as the new Marvel Animated show on Disney Plus picks up from where the 90s X-Men: The Animated Series ended. But if that is the case, Charles Xavier a.k.a. Professor X is gone. Now, without the Guardian of the Mutants, how the new series will manage the superheroes?
X-Men ’97 Without Professor X
Professor X in a still from X-Men Animated Series’ final episode, Graduation Day. Image: FX
The final episode of the fifth and final season of X-Men: The Animated Series left X-Men fans with a heavy heart as Professor X went into a coma as forced by Henry Peter Gyrich anti-mutant campaigner advocating the Mutant Containment Bil. Gyrich used an energy disruptor on the X-men headmaster as Charles attempted to use his power but was overdrive leaving him in a coma. It all happened in the episode of Graduation Day. Lilandra arrived for his rescue but she revealed that the Professor could not be Earthbound.
So, it all comes down to the new series without the guardian of the mutants. Is it concerning? No, at least, Marvel Studios’ head of streaming Brad Winderbaum doesn’t think so. In a recent chat with The Hollywood Reporter, Winderbaum revealed that the lack of Professor X will not be a barrier. “One advantage that we have at Marvel is the legacy of the comics,” he said.
“We could go in and look at the stories where Xavier was off the field and see how those characters reacted. And Xavier’s message is so strong that even when he’s not onscreen, he’s very present. Scott [Summers/Cyclops], for example, is trying to uphold Xavier’s ideal in his own way, and even Magneto struggles with it as well. This idea of peaceful coexistence in a world that fears you is on everybody’s mind, as these mutants are the ones who are feared.
Adding to his comment, he explained, “So even though he’s not there onscreen, Xavier definitely looms large in the story.” Evidently, Professor X’s influence will be in the air of X-Men ’97, so, it won’t be a mess.
Can We Expect Crossover With Any ’90s Marvel Animated Shows?
X-Men ’97. Image: Marvel Studios Animation
It is fair to expect some cameos in the upcoming show but it can only be under speculation before the streaming of the show. Addressing the potential cameos, Winderbaum spoke with ScreenRant teasing the possibility.
“X-Men ’97 fits directly into the continuity of the ’90s animated shows, and as you know, there were some awesome crossovers, most notably with Spider-Man: The Animated Series. I will say that if you remember the awesome cameos from the original show, you’re going to be happy in X-Men ’97, without going into spoiler territory. [laughs] It’s an exciting timeline to explore that ’90s world!”
X-Men ’97 stars the original actors from the X-Men Animated Series as Marvel Boss Kevin Feige exclusively demanded that along with the original theme song. The show 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.
X-Men ’97 airs on 20 March 2024 on Disney Plus.
