Marvel Animation’s X-Men '97 Powers Up Disney+ with Record-high Critic and Audience Scores

The two-episode premiere currently has a 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Older fans have noted how well the first episodes captured the feel of the original cartoon, while also injecting new character explorations that feel fresh.

Cyclops in particular was able to shine with his "boy scout" devotion to Professor Charles Xavier's dream, while also showcasing the use of his trademark optic blasts. Older fans commented on social media such as X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit on how they missed this version of Scott Summers.

The perennial leader of the X-Men had been far less optimistic in the comic books and his live action versions have never been as competent, by comparison. Different takes on characters across continuities is generally a great way to keep things fresh, but sometime a particular approach just works, you know?

However, is X-Men '97 a win for the overall Marvel Studios brand? It's essential to note that X-Men '97 exists outside the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Unfortunately, the MCU has been suffering big losses with mediocre to outright bombs in the past few years. The Marvels, in particular, was a massive disappointment, bringing in only $206 million on a nearly $300 million production budget.

Marvel Studios' decision to revive the fan-favorite animated series was not without its conditions. Brad Winderbaum, head of streaming at Marvel Studios, disclosed in an interview that Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige greenlit the project under two conditions: retaining the original cast and securing the iconic theme song (yes, that X-Men theme running in your head right now).

The voice cast of X-Men '97 sees a blend of returning favorites and fresh talents. Cal Dodd, Alison Sealy-Smith, George Buza, Adrian Hough, Lenore Zann, and Chris Britton reprise their roles from X-Men: The Animated Series.

Notable changes include Catherine Disher (who previously voiced Jean) as Dr. Valerie Cooper, Chris Potter as Cable, and Lawrence Bayne as X-Cutioner. Additionally, new talents such as Ray Chase, Jennifer Hale, AJ LoCascio, Holly Chou, JP Karliak, Isaac Robinson-Smith, Matthew Waterson, Ross Marquand, Giu Augustini, Gil Birmingham, and Eric Bauza join the ensemble.

Over the years, the X-Men franchise has seen various interpretations across both the big and small screens. From the acclaimed animated series to the hit-and-miss X-Men film adaptations by 20th Century Fox, the mutants have traversed a mixed bag of success and failure. X-Men '97 comes just in time to serve as a prelude to the hotly anticipated Deadpool & Wolverine live action film.

Are you ready to join the new mutant revolution? X-Men '97 is currently streaming on Disney+, with a new episode released every week.