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The return of “X-Men ’97” has sparked discussions about how the series will address modern societal issues while staying true to its roots. With its legacy as a progressive franchise, the X-Men have always tackled themes of prejudice and discrimination, making it a vital part of the superhero landscape. In an exclusive interview with Jake Castorena, the director of the upcoming series, we delve into how “X-Men ’97” will modernize these timeless themes for today’s audience.
Bringing Back the Themes of the ’90s
At the core of X-Men’s narrative lies an allegory for prejudice, as Castorena eloquently explains, “Fundamentally, at the core of X-Men, it always is, always should be, and always has been an allegory for prejudice.” This essential aspect defines the essence of the X-Men, distinguishing them from other superhero narratives. The series’ return to the themes explored in the 1990s iteration is deliberate, emphasizing the continued relevance of these issues in contemporary society.
Castorena emphasizes the importance of acknowledging societal progress while recognizing the ongoing challenges we face as a community. “We’ve grown a lot as a society. We’ve come far as a people. But we still got a lot to go. We still got a lot to learn. We could always be better. There’s always blind spots,” he asserts. Through “X-Men ’97,” the series aims to shed light on these blind spots and encourage meaningful conversations about prejudice and bigotry.
(L-R): Beast (voiced by George Buza), Wolverine (voiced by Cal Dodd), Morph (voiced by JP Karliak), Bishop (voiced by Isaac Robinson-Smith), Rogue (voiced by Lenore Zann), Gambit (voiced by AJ LoCascio), Storm (voiced by Alison Sealy-Smith), Cyclops (voiced by Ray Chase) in Marvel Animation’s X-MEN ’97. Photo courtesy of Marvel Animation. © 2024 MARVEL.Bringing Back the Themes of the ’90s
The director underscores the significance of X-Men as a platform for discussing these topics. “X-Men is an IP that more than lends itself to have these discussions, to be these topics because it was created for that,” Castorena explains. The series serves as a vessel for addressing complex social issues, offering a unique perspective on prejudice and discrimination.
Despite the passage of time, the themes explored in X-Men remain as relevant as ever. Castorena reflects on the enduring relevance of these narratives, stating, “There’s a reason why things are still relevant today.” By revisiting these themes in “X-Men ’97,” the series provides an opportunity for reflection and dialogue on contemporary social issues.
When discussing the modernization of the series, Castorena highlights the importance of retaining the essence of the original while adapting to the expectations of today’s audience. “We’re not doing anything that hasn’t already been there,” he asserts. However, the series aims to appeal to both longtime fans and new viewers by infusing its storytelling with a fresh perspective.
Marvel Animation’s X-Men ’97 Trailer:
The director acknowledges the unique challenges faced by today’s audience, shaped by significant events such as 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic. “We, as a people, have been through some stuff in very recent time in a very small amount of time,” Castorena notes. These experiences have shaped the collective consciousness, influencing how viewers engage with media and storytelling.
“X-Men ’97” seeks to honor the legacy of the original series while offering a contemporary take on its timeless themes. Through thoughtful storytelling and nuanced exploration of prejudice and discrimination, the series aims to spark meaningful conversations and inspire positive change in society. As Castorena aptly summarizes, “X-Men ’97” serves as a vital platform for addressing complex social issues and fostering understanding in an ever-changing world.
X-MEN ’97, exclusively on Disney+. © 2024 MARVEL.Director: Jake Casterano
Writer(s): Beau DeMayo
Stars: Jennifer Hale, Ray Chase, Alison Sealy-Smith, Cal Dodd, George Buza, A.J. LoCascio, Holly Chou
X-Men ’97 comes to Disney+ on March 20, 2024. Be sure to follow E-Man’s Movie Reviews on Facebook, Subscribe on YouTube, or follow me on Twitter/IG @EmansReviews for even more movie news and reviews!
