Los Angeles, CA – The team working on the upcoming X-Men ’97 series has made it clear that capturing the essence of the original ’90s cartoon is a top priority for them. In an effort to recreate the nostalgia of the decades-old animation, the creators even set “false parameters” to mimic the retro style accurately. This commitment to nostalgia extends to the voice acting as well, with various actors from the original series returning to reprise their iconic roles.
Although many of the original actors were asked to reprise their roles, they still had to go through auditioning processes like any newcomer. Voice actors Cal Dodd (Wolverine), Lenore Zann (Rogue), A. J. LoCascio (Gambit), Holly Chou (Jubilee), and Ray Chase (Cyclops) recently gathered for an exclusive roundtable, where they shared their audition experiences. Despite their previous work on the show, even Dodd and Zann had to audition for their roles in X-Men ’97.
Each actor had their unique audition experience, with Dodd recalling a particular scene focused on Wolverine’s quieter, reflective side rather than his usual fierce persona. Zann, on the other hand, received a mysterious email hinting at a new show without disclosing any details, leading to her rejoining the cast as Rogue.
Newcomers like Chou faced the challenge of voice matching the previous actors while still infusing their performances with authenticity. The producers eventually encouraged the cast to balance voice matching with their acting abilities to bring fresh life to the characters while paying tribute to the originals.
Chase, who did not grow up with the original series, found inspiration for Cyclops’ voice from a unique source – a YouTube video featuring the character repeatedly saying the name “Jean.” This unconventional method helped him shape his interpretation of the character’s dorkiness and leadership qualities throughout the recording process.
As X-Men ’97 continues to air, fans can explore the reimagined world of the beloved series while experiencing the talents of both returning and new voice actors. The show’s blend of nostalgia and fresh perspectives promises an exciting journey for fans of the original series and newcomers alike.