Ever wonder what goes into making an iconic series like X-Men ’97? Well, wonder no more! Marvel’s latest Assembled documentary on Disney+ pulled back the curtain and gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this beloved continuation of the ’90s X-Men: The Animated Series. Buckle up, bub – we’re about to dive into the juicy details!
Key Takeaways
- Staying True to the Source: The creative team behind X-Men ’97 went back to the original pitch and worked closely with the showrunners from the ’90s series, ensuring a seamless continuation of the beloved X-Men saga.
- Revamped Action Sequences: With the help of modern technology, the action sequences in X-Men ’97 were taken to new heights, blending live-action cinema inspiration with anime-inspired animation techniques.
- Honoring the Legacy: From the iconic opening theme to the returning voice cast, X-Men ’97 paid homage to the original series while carving its own path, bringing the X-Men’s timeless themes of tolerance and acceptance to a new generation.
Timeless X-Men Themes Guided the Way
At its core, the X-Men have always been about embracing differences and finding strength in unity. As director Emi Yonemura aptly put it, “Life is hard, and it’s gonna be hard, but you can do it together – you can find a team, you can find your family, and you can actually make a difference.” This ethos was the guiding light for the X-Men ’97 team, ensuring that the series stayed true to the heart of the X-Men mythology.
Honoring the Original Vision
From the get-go, the team behind X-Men ’97 knew they had to do justice to the beloved ’90s series. They went back to the original pitch and brought on board the original showrunners, Eric and Julia Lewald, and director Larry Houston as producers. With their guidance and blessing, the new team set out to emulate the memories fans had of the original show, lining up the stories and picking up right where the ’90s series left off.
The Unsung Hero of X-Men: The Animated Series
Did you know that the original X-Men: The Animated Series had a secret hero? Her name was Margaret Loesch, the then-CEO of Fox Kids. Loesch was such a believer in the X-Men that she put her job on the line to get the series greenlit. Her superiors warned her that if the show failed, she’d be fired. And while the team was initially let go before the show even aired, the series’ overwhelming success led to their quick reinstatement and a renewal.
Action Sequences: Pushing the Limits
One of the standout elements of X-Men ’97 is its action sequences. The team took inspiration from both live-action cinema and ’90s animation, opting for a more three-dimensional, anime-inspired approach instead of the flat backgrounds of the original series. With the help of digital intermediate (DI) tech, they added filters and grain to make the action scenes more explosive and cinematic.
The Iconic Opening Theme
For fans of the ’90s series, the opening theme is as iconic as it gets. The X-Men ’97 team knew they had to keep it, as it celebrates the characters in a “very distinctive, strong, and driving way,” according to original director Houston. It took 12 versions before they landed on the perfect theme that matched the artwork and became the one we all know and love.
Assembling the X-Men
One of the most exciting aspects of X-Men ’97 was the return of the original voice cast. Supervising producer Jake Castorena knew that those iconic voices were crucial to capturing the humanity and emotion of the characters. So, the team brought back as many original actors as they could, including Lenore Zann (Rogue), Cal Dodd (Wolverine), Alison Sealy-Smith (Storm), and George Buza (Beast).
A Homecoming for the Voice Cast
For the returning voice actors, stepping back into the recording booth was like slipping into a well-worn leather jacket. They recorded in the same studio as the ’90s series and watched old episodes to get back into character. And when they reunited at Comic-Con, they were blown away by the realization that they had made so many people’s childhoods with the original series – a true homecoming for these beloved performers.
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
While X-Men ’97 paid tribute to the ’90s series, it also paved the way for the future. New voice actor A.J. LoCascio took over the role of Gambit, while the original Gambit voice actor, Ray Potter, stepped into the shoes of Cable. This passing of the torch symbolized the series’ commitment to honoring its roots while also moving forward.
The X-Men’s Enduring Legacy
At the end of the day, the X-Men have always been more than just superheroes – they’re a reflection of the world we live in. As Brad Winderbaum put it, “Kids see the world around them, they see the racism, they see social unrest.” And just like the X-Men did for him growing up, these characters and stories can help kids today feel less alone and embrace the message of tolerance that the X-Men have always represented.
Conclusion
X-Men ’97 is a labor of love, a continuation of a series that has touched the lives of countless fans. From the creative team’s unwavering commitment to honoring the original vision to the returning voice cast’s emotional homecoming, this series is a testament to the enduring power of the X-Men. So, whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the X-Men saga, X-Men ’97 and its behind-the-scenes documentary are a must-watch, reminding us all that we have the power to make a difference, no matter how different we may be.