It was previously rumored that Marvel Studios would be producing another X-Men-related project unrelated to The Mutants, with heavy speculation at the time leaning toward the new project being animated. However, it was quickly revealed to be something planned to start production in 2023 that could be linked to the original X-Men: The Animated Series.
During Disney+ Day, plenty of previously rumored shows for the service were confirmed, along with some new ones that blindsided everyone.
But what no one expected was an actual revival of the original '90s X-Men cartoon.
Return of the 90s Animated X-Men Show
Marvel Studios announced that it will be producing a new animated series called X-Men '97.
The Wrap broke the news minutes before the official announcement. The outlet had reported that this animated series will be a revival of X-Men: The Animated Series with several original cast members from the show reprising their roles, while others will have entirely new ones.
Those returning include Cal Dodd, Lenore Zann, George Buza, Adrian Hough, Christopher Britton, Catherine Disher, Chris Potter, Alison Sealy-Smith, and Alyson Court. As for new cast members, X-Men '97 will include the vocal talents of Jennifer Hale, Anniwaa Buachie, Ray Chase, Matthew Waterson, JP Karliak, Holly Chou, Jeff Bennett, AJ LoCascio.
The head writer and executive producer of the series will be Beau DeMayo, with Jake Castorena as supervising director and Charley Feldman as supervising producer. Consulting on the new series are original X-Men: The Animated Series writers Eric and Julia Lewald, along with director Larry Houston.
The official logo can be seen below:
Expanding the Multiverse Through the X-Men?
Technically speaking, everything that Marvel has ever produced is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe due to the Multiverse. Still, it's hard to believe that the studio would be producing a revival of X-Men: The Animated Series if it isn't going to somehow connect back to the broader universe down the line.
Perhaps this universe is briefly visited by a character or might play a vital role in an inevitable Secret Wars adaptation when multiple universes collide. Could it even imply that Marvel Studios may introduce the X-Men and mutants by way of the Multiverse? Regardless, it's interesting that Marvel Studios is producing something that will, at most, only be tangibly related to the MCU.
Fans will find out for sure when they see X-Men '97 on Disney+ in 2023.
