Episode 5 of X-Men ’97, “Remember It”, was indeed memorable. In one of the most shocking episodes of Marvel Studios-produced TV to date, “Remember It” saw the mutant island nation of Genosha attacked by a Wild Sentinel. The body count from the attack seemed to include Gambit and Magneto, both of whom sacrificed themselves in amazing displays of their powers in order to save other mutants, including Rogue, who was in quite a particular pickle before the attack. Theories about who perpetrated the attack on the island have taken over social media and message boards and a few names have risen to the top of the suspect list. However, according to X-Men ’97’s key creatives, it’s time to remove one of the most popular potential mass murderers from the list.
Unfortunately for the X-Men, the list of characters who have enacted terrible schemes resulting in the mass murder of mutants is pretty expansive. However, the mutant body count of one of those villains stands above the rest. In Grant Morrison’s New X-Men arc, “E is for Extinction”, Cassandra Nova–the twin sister of Charles Xavier–murdered 16,000,000 mutants in a matter of minutes in what became known as the Genoshan genocide. That arc served as the template for “Remember It” but according to supervising producer Jake Castorena, fans should not expect to learn Nova was behind the attack.
In an interview with Inverse, Castorena scratched her name off the list of suspects saying, “I wouldn’t get my hopes up for Cassandra Nova being a huge villain in our show. But what I will say is, I don’t think people will be disappointed with our choices.” Though she’s not behind the attack, it seems as though the creative team has thought plenty about Xavier’s twisted twin. Emi Yonemura, who directed Episode 5, explained what she loves about Nova and may have given some insight into the team’s plans for the character. “I love her because she is a challenge for Xavier. I really love the tensions that she brings, the whole other level that she brings,” said Yonemura. “I love her character design as well. I cannot say where we go, but I think what’s so nice about using the original series and the comics for where we start [is that it] gives us so many options with so many rich characters like Cassandra to get to play with.” So while Nova won’t be popping in for a visit next week, it sounds as though she’s certainly a good bet to appear once Charles returns from his respite in Shi’ar space.
The first five episodes of X-Men ’97 are not streaming on Disney Plus.
About Cassandra Nova
Cassandra Nova is a formidable antagonist within the Marvel Universe, renowned for her cunning intellect and ruthless demeanor. As a mutant with telepathic abilities, she poses a significant threat to the X-Men and all who oppose her nefarious schemes. With a shape-shifting prowess that rivals even the most skilled adversaries, Cassandra Nova is a master manipulator who utilizes her powers to infiltrate and subvert the most secure organizations.
The Twisted Twin Sister of Charles Xavier
Conceived as the malevolent counterpart to Charles Xavier, Cassandra Nova embodies the darkest aspects of mutant potential. In a shocking twist of fate, Charles Xavier, unaware of his twin sister’s existence, unknowingly attacked Cassandra Nova while she was still in the womb. This event, shrouded in mystery and tragedy, set the stage for their tumultuous relationship and Cassandra’s eventual emergence as a formidable antagonist within the Marvel Universe. The repercussions of this prenatal conflict reverberate throughout their intertwined destinies, shaping the course of their lives and the fate of mutantkind.
Emerging from the depths of the Xavier Institute’s history, she has been a constant thorn in the side of the X-Men, often orchestrating elaborate plots to undermine their efforts for peace and equality. With ties to the Shi’ar Empire and Genosha, Cassandra Nova’s reach extends far beyond the borders of Earth, making her a global threat of unparalleled magnitude.
A Powerful Adversary
Driven by an insatiable thirst for power and domination, Cassandra Nova’s ambitions know no bounds. Whether manipulating world leaders or inciting conflicts between mutants and humans, she seeks to sow chaos and discord at every turn. Her ultimate goal remains shrouded in mystery, but one thing is certain: Cassandra Nova will stop at nothing to achieve her malevolent objectives.
Possessing a genius-level intellect and unparalleled telepathic abilities, Cassandra Nova is a formidable adversary capable of outwitting even the most seasoned heroes. Her shape-shifting prowess allows her to assume any form, making her a master of deception and subterfuge. Ruthless and manipulative, she will exploit any weakness to further her own agenda, leaving destruction in her wake.
Cassandra Nova’s modus operandi revolves around manipulation, scheming, and plotting. With a penchant for orchestrating elaborate schemes, she seeks to undermine her enemies from within, using their own vulnerabilities against them. Whether infiltrating secure facilities or instigating conflicts, she employs a wide array of tactics to achieve her goals, leaving chaos and destruction in her wake.
Coming Soon to the MCU
Cassandra Nova will make her live-action debut in Deadpool and Wolverine. Played by Emma Corrin, Nova will be the primary antagonist of the film and is rumored to be in a position of power in The Void, a region outside of time where pruned Variants are sent by the TVA.
Deadpool and Wolverine hits theaters on July 26th.
Source: Inverse
