Reviving a Classic: X-Men ’97’
X-Men ’97’: Marvel Studios Head of TV, Streaming, and Animation Brad Winderbaum had a big dream: to continue the legacy of X-Men: The Animated Series. But his boss, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, had a couple of conditions: bring back the original theme song and the original cast. Surprisingly, it wasn’t a hard task to achieve.
“It was the easiest thing in the world,” said Winderbaum. “Everyone was thrilled to come back, and we were thrilled to have them back.”
A New Chapter Begins
The result of their efforts is X-Men ’97, set to stream exclusively on Disney+ starting Wednesday, March 20. But this isn’t a reboot or a remake; it’s a direct continuation of the beloved ’90s animated series.
The story picks up right after the final events of X-Men: The Animated Series, following the death of X-Men founder Dr. Charles Xavier. His absence leaves a void that the characters must grapple with as they navigate their way forward.
Why Now?
Why bring back these characters now? According to Winderbaum, the timing was just right. Following the success of Marvel’s What If?, there was a clear appetite for more animated series. And what better way to satisfy fans’ cravings than by reuniting them with the iconic X-Men?
“We spent all of our time and all of our creative effort trying to emulate our memory of this thing,” said Winderbaum.
Embracing the ’90s Vibe
X-Men ’97 isn’t trying to modernize the characters; instead, it’s embracing the nostalgia of the ’90s. For Winderbaum, it’s about telling superhero stories in a time before smartphones and the internet.
“We needed to create our own rulebook based on the limitations that Larry and Lewald were under when they made the original show,” noted Winderbaum.
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
The team behind X-Men ’97 acknowledges the legacy of those who came before them. From original series co-creator Eric Lewald to comic book legends like Chris Claremont and Jim Lee, they’re all part of the X-Men’s rich history.
“This is our opportunity with our new team to carry that torch,” stated Winderbaum.
A Legacy Continues
In many ways, the narrative of X-Men ’97 mirrors the journey of its creators, as they strive to uphold the legacy of the original series.
“I’m excited for fans to be reminded about the dramatic depths that the X-Men can go to,” said Winderbaum. “And I’m excited for new audiences to be surprised at how impactful some of these stories may be when you see [them] on screen.”
With X-Men ’97, the saga of the X-Men continues, bringing new adventures and old memories to audiences everywhere.