Los Angeles, CA – X-Men fans have something special to look forward to as the beloved mutants make their return in 2024. After more than 30 years since X-Men: The Animated Series first graced TV screens, Marvel Studios is set to release X-Men ’97, a direct sequel to the classic series. The new show will premiere on Disney+ on March 20 and promises to bring back the core gang in their iconic legacy costumes. Showrunner Beau DeMayo has teased that the costumes will serve a specific purpose in the first season, hinting that every design choice is a clue to the storylines that will unfold.
X-Men ’97 picks up where X-Men: The Animated Series left off, with Charles Xavier leaving his team of mutants behind to recover in outer space. The sequel will see Magneto, the X-Men’s longtime adversary, take on the role of the new leader of the superhero team, turning Xavier’s dream of coexistence between humans and mutants on its head. DeMayo has hinted that the show will explore issues of social acceptance and the complexities of being different, drawing parallels between the ’90s themes and the challenges of today’s world.
The highly anticipated sequel will also feature a mix of veteran and newcomer actors in the voice cast to breathe new life into the beloved characters. Voice actors such as Cal Dodd, Alison Sealy-Smith, and George Buza will reprise their roles from the original series alongside a fresh lineup of talent. Furthermore, the casting of Theo James from The White Lotus and Divergent has been kept under wraps, teasing a surprise for fans.
While the casting choices for the sequel series have raised some questions, DeMayo has explained that the recastings were made for various reasons, including authentic representation and vocal intonations. In addition, the showrunner has hinted at the importance of Jean Grey’s character in delivering the thesis of X-Men ’97, revolving around the idea of empathy as the way into the future.
With the return of the original characters and the introduction of new voice actors, fans can expect a fresh take on the classic animated series that defined a generation. X-Men ’97 is set to reignite the nostalgia of old fans while captivating a new audience with its timeless themes and compelling storytelling.