Summary
- Marvel fans were thrilled during San Diego Comic-Con when the first footage of X-Men ’97 was revealed, offering glimpses of key characters and plotlines.
- The teaser reel showed the X-Men engaging Dr. Trask in an intense interrogation and introduced new mutants Archangel and Bishop, as well as the character Sunspot.
- X-Men ’97 executive producer Beau DeMayo and supervising producer Jake Castorena shared details about the opening episode, which features the X-Men facing off against a new Sentinel threat. The series breathes fresh life into the franchise with new storylines and returning heroes.
Marvel fans around the globe found themselves abuzz with excitement during the recent San Diego Comic-Con 2023, as the entertainment giant pulled back the curtain on X-Men ’97, the eagerly awaited animated series.
The first completed footage was revealed to a thrilled crowd of attendees, unveiling glimpses of key characters and plotlines that promise to shape the beloved mutant universe.
The teaser reel showed the X-Men engaging Dr. Trask in an intense interrogation. Simultaneously, viewers were offered a glimpse into Jean Gray’s new narrative arc as she navigates pregnancy, along with the entrance of new mutants Archangel and Bishop. The latter will join the novel character Sunspot, brought to life by Gui Adustini.
One of the most cherished characters, Cyclops, was given a moment in the spotlight. Attendees were treated to the sight of him leading the X-Men into battle with his classic call to arms, “To me, my X-Men.”
X-Men ’97 executive producer Beau DeMayo and supervising producer Jake Castorena sat down with Marvel’s Ryan Penagos to divulge some of the details about Episode 1 during SDCC.
DeMayo clarified that the unveiled footage was, in fact, from the opening episode, featuring the X-Men’s face-off against a new Sentinel threat. The mutants find themselves unexpectedly ambushed, forcing them to tap into their Danger Room training to save themselves. DeMayo stated:
We showed a clip from the first episode that shows the X-Men going off [on] a mission to confront a new Sentinel threat… And mid-mission they are unexpectedly attacked and have to use their Danger Room practice skills to save themselves.
Upon expressing his admiration for the new Cyclops moment, Penagos received a nod to DeMayo’s scriptwriting prowess from Castorena. He attributed the electrifying scene to DeMayo’s excellent script, remarking that it captured why Cyclops is indeed the leader of the X-Men.
X-Men ’97: A Revived Animated Series Breathes Fresh Life into the Franchise
Reflecting on the opportunity to showcase the series at SDCC, Castorena felt that it was a rewarding experience for both fans and the creative team. The first glimpse elicited real-time reactions, allowing the hard-working team behind the scenes to feel the pulse of their audience.
Beyond the breathtaking Episode 1 footage, what else can fans look forward to in this new animated journey?
According to Beau DeMayo, Minister Sinister will return with sinister intentions, crafting a nearly unbreakable scheme to annihilate the X-Men once and for all. A surprising twist is also in store, with Magneto stepping into a leadership role within the X-Men.
Regrettably, the release date remains a subject of speculation, with rumors suggesting a potential delay until 2024, despite initial indications of a late 2023 launch on Disney+. While the wait may be disappointing, fans can take heart in knowing that Season 2 is already in the works.
The first look into X-Men ’97 has stirred excitement among Marvel’s loyal followers. With new characters, unexpected alliances, and classic heroes returning to the fold, this animated reboot breathes fresh life into the X-Men franchise. Though the launch date is still up in the air, the anticipation only builds, as audiences await the new adventures that await the X-Men in this revived animated series.
