The release of the highly anticipated revival of X-Men: The Animated Series, X-Men ’97, is just around the corner. Beginning on March 20th, the first season of Marvel Animation’s new streaming series will hit Disney Plus. Ahead of that, Disney has provided a look at the full release schedule and the titles of all 10 episodes.
As is often the case with series developed for its streaming network, Disney will roll out X-Men ’97 with a two-part premiere,”To Me, My X-Men” and “Mutant Liberation Begins.” From there, fans can look forward to one episode a week through May 15th. Season one of the new series is set to wrap with a 3-part story, “Tolerance is Extinction.”
Given the streaming strategy, X-Men ’97‘s run will overlap significantly with the third and final season of Lucasfilm’s animated Star Wars series, The Bad Batch. The Bad Batch’s 15-episode run ends on May 1st, roughly one month before Star Wars next live-action series, The Acolyte, is rumored to premiere on Disney Plus.
About X-Men ’97
Marvel Animation’s X-Men’97 revisits the iconic era of the 1990s as The X-Men, a band of mutants who use their uncanny gifts to protect a world that hates and fears them, are challenged like never before, forced to face a dangerous and unexpected new future.
The all-new series features 10 episodes. The voice cast includes Ray Chase as Cyclops, Jennifer Hale as Jean Grey, Alison Sealy-Smith as Storm, Cal Dodd as Wolverine, JP Karliak as Morph, Lenore Zann as Rogue, George Buza as Beast, AJ LoCascio as Gambit, Holly Chou as Jubilee, Isaac Robinson-Smith as Bishop, Matthew Waterson as Magneto, and Adrian Hough as Nightcrawler. Beau DeMayo serves as head writer; episodes are directed by Jake Castorena, Chase Conley and Emi Yonemura, and the series is executive produced by Brad Winderbaum, Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso and DeMayo. Featuring music by the Newton Brothers, Marvel Animation’s X-Men ’97 begins streaming on Disney+ on March 20, 2024.
Marvel Animations revival of the beloved X-Men: The Animated Series, X-Men ’97 will hit Disney Plus beginning March 20th. The new series–which is NOT MCU canon–will pick up where the nostalgic 90s series left off and will see the team try to keep the dream of Charles Xavier alive after he was shuttled off to space by Lilandra Neramani following an attempt on his life. While the release date was officially revealed in mid-February, some questions have remained about HOW it will be released on Disney Plus. Now it seems those have been answered.
According to an official listing on Disney Plus, it looks as though fans can expect episodes of the series to be released weekly beginning on March 20th rather than the entire series becoming available that day. Barring any two-parters that could be released on the same day, that means the tenth and final episode of Season 1 will hit Disney Plus on May 22nd.
About X-Men ’97
Marvel Animation’s X-Men’97 revisits the iconic era of the 1990s as The X-Men, a band of mutants who use their uncanny gifts to protect a world that hates and fears them, are challenged like never before, forced to face a dangerous and unexpected new future.
The all-new series features 10 episodes. The voice cast includes Ray Chase as Cyclops, Jennifer Hale as Jean Grey, Alison Sealy-Smith as Storm, Cal Dodd as Wolverine, JP Karliak as Morph, Lenore Zann as Rogue, George Buza as Beast, AJ LoCascio as Gambit, Holly Chou as Jubilee, Isaac Robinson-Smith as Bishop, Matthew Waterson as Magneto, and Adrian Hough as Nightcrawler. Beau DeMayo serves as head writer; episodes are directed by Jake Castorena, Chase Conley and Emi Yonemura, and the series is executive produced by Brad Winderbaum, Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso and DeMayo. Featuring music by the Newton Brothers, Marvel Animation’s X-Men ’97 begins streaming on Disney+ on March 20, 2024.
X-Men: The Animated Series premiered in 1992 and quickly became a beloved adaptation of the popular Marvel Comics series. Known for its faithful portrayal of the iconic mutant superhero team, the show captivated audiences with its engaging storytelling, dynamic characters, and thrilling action sequences. Beginning March 20th, Marvel Animation will roll out an all-new revival of the series, X-Men ’97.
X-Men: The Animated Series kicked off with a two-parter which served as a compelling introduction to the world of the X-Men and the ongoing struggle between mutants and humanity. Let’s recap the series pilot episode, “Night of the Sentinels Part 1.”
Setting the Scene: A World Divided
The episode opens with a dramatic scene as a group of mutants, led by the powerful Magneto, clash with a squad of Sentinels, giant mutant-hunting robots created by the anti-mutant organization known as the Mutant Control Agency (MCA). This conflict sets the stage for the central conflict of the series: the tension between mutants and humans, and the fear and prejudice that drive the persecution of mutantkind.
Introducing the X-Men
Against this backdrop, we are introduced to the main protagonists of the series: the X-Men, a team of mutants dedicated to fighting for peace and coexistence between mutants and humans. Professor Charles Xavier, the telepathic leader of the X-Men, operates out of his mansion headquarters in Westchester County, New York, where he trains and guides his students in the use of their powers.
The Attack at the Mall
The episode focuses on Jubilation Lee, also known as Jubilee, a teenage mutant with the ability to generate explosive energy blasts from her hands. Jubilee struggles to control her powers and grapples with the fear of being discovered and persecuted for being a mutant. Her ordinary life is turned upside down when she is attacked by a group of Sentinels while attending a local mall with her friends.
As chaos erupts at the mall, Jubilee’s mutant powers manifest, attracting the attention of the Sentinels. In a thrilling action sequence, the Sentinels pursue Jubilee through the mall, causing destruction and panic as they hunt her down. Meanwhile, the X-Men, alerted to the Sentinel attack, spring into action to rescue Jubilee and confront the threat head-on.
The X-Men in Action
Led by Cyclops, the field leader of the X-Men, the team arrives at the mall and engages the Sentinels in battle. Cyclops, with his optic blasts, leads the charge, while other members of the team, including Storm, Wolverine, Rogue, and Beast, use their unique powers and abilities to fend off the robotic attackers. The action-packed sequence showcases each X-Men’s powers and personalities, establishing them as formidable heroes united in their fight against injustice.
Amidst the chaos, the X-Men manage to rescue Jubilee from the clutches of the Sentinels, but not before she is injured in the confrontation. As Jubilee grapples with the revelation of her mutant abilities and the danger they pose, she is brought back to the X-Mansion, where Professor Xavier offers her sanctuary and guidance. Jubilee’s journey as a new recruit to the X-Men begins, as she learns to harness her powers and embrace her identity as a mutant.
A World of Uncertainty
“Night of the Sentinels Part 1” concludes with a sense of uncertainty and foreboding, as the X-Men confront the looming threat of the Sentinels and the ongoing persecution of mutants. The episode sets the stage for the larger narrative of the series, exploring themes of prejudice, identity, and the struggle for acceptance in a world divided by fear and intolerance.
The episode serves as a gripping introduction to X-Men: The Animated Series, showcasing the iconic characters, high-stakes action, and thought-provoking themes that would come to define the show. With its compelling storytelling and dynamic animation, the episode lays the groundwork for the epic saga that unfolds throughout the series, captivating audiences and leaving them eagerly anticipating the next installment in the adventures of the X-Men.
Iman Vellani is slowly becoming the face of Marvel Studios’ iconic franchise. Robert Downey Jr. held that mantle for a long time and any inclusion of him in a film was a big selling point and if she keeps it up, she is slowly building up that role. She just recently appeared in The Marvels and while her next major live-action appearance is uncertain, she does have an animated project on the horizon.
We still don’t know when we can expect it to release but Marvel Zombies is one of the next animated features set to release. First teases hinted at the same animation style as What If and highlighted it’s likely a unique what-if scenario from the mainline Marvel Cinematic Universe. In an interview with The Direct, Vellani reveals that not only did she already finish her work on the project but Kamala Khan will have a major role in it.
We’ve done the whole thing. It was amazing. It was so much fun. And I love—there are a lot of cool characters in the ‘Marvel Zombies’ show. And Kamala is kind of the center of the show. They described it to me, it’s like, ‘She’s basically the Frodo of the story.’ And I was like, ‘That’s amazing.
Iman Vellani
She also highlights the excitement of having the character she started playing get to interact with various new characters through this animated style. Though, sadly, it seems they didn’t get a chance to record in a bigger group.
And I get to interact and meet all these people along her journey. And, yes, they’re only the voices, and I don’t get to hear their voices in real-time. But just, it’s my fantasies, right? Like, knowing Kamala is going to interact with some really cool people, even if it’s just animation, is so special in a lot of ways.
Iman Vellani
So far, we know very little about Marvel Zombies which was at one point touted as the first major R-rated project by Marvel Studios. While Echo has seemingly already taken that mantle with its upcoming January release, it’s still exciting to get another hint at what’s to come and the inclusion of these actors in the animated adaptation of the beloved comic book series. Here’s hoping they might be allowed to include Ash at some point.
Marvel Studios’ first canonical animated adventure, What If…?, introduced one of the most powerful and enigmatic characters in Uatu the Watcher. A member of a race of nigh omnipresent and omnipotent aliens, Uatu lived in the Nexus of All Realties where he was tasked with observing the Multiverse while swearing an oath never to intervene. That oath was tested and ultimately broken in Season 1 of What If…? when Uatu gathered a team of heroes, the Guardians of the Multiverse, to take on Ultron after the AI became aware of the presence of the Watcher.
That team, comprised of alternate reality versions of Peggy Carter, T’Challa, Doctor Strange, Gamora, Thor, Black Widow and N’jdaka, took on and ultimately defeated the Infinity Stone-powered Ultron and Uatu returned to the Nexus of All Realities to await whatever came next. Now, thanks to a new trailer, Uatu’s next MCU appearance has been revealed and it’s certainly not what anyone expected.
During the trailer for Season 2 of I Am Groot, the Watcher was spotted overseeing the feisty sapling taking off in the Guardians’ ship. While rumors of his appearance in the show had circulated a while back, the trailer is the first confirmation of the surprising return of the character who is voiced by the talented Jeffrey Wright. What could Groot be up to draw the attention of Uatu? Will the events of Season 2 of I Am Groot be tied to the events of Season 2 of What If…? ? Answers to those questions will be answered soon as five new I Am Groot shorts will hit Disney Plus on September 6th!
If you’ve ever wondered what exactly was the jumping-off point for Marvel Studios to actually create an animation subdivision, it turns out it was their work on What If…? According to Brad Winderbaum, who is spearheading the division, they realized how much fun they had with it after working on the first season of What If…? and that led to them exploring more. With a variety of new projects heading our way, including a continuation of the classic animated X-Men series, it’ll be interesting to see what else they may have in store.
Brad Winderbaum says “after the first season of ‘WHAT IF..?, we realized we wanted to make more [with animation]” at Marvel Studios. #SDCCpic.twitter.com/4ypEZW0IGt
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