Key Takeaways:
– ‘X-Men ’97’ is a continuation of ‘X-Men: The Animated Series’ from the nineties.
– The creative team faced challenges due to technological advancements in animation since the original show.
– Marvel Studios brought back the original voice cast and theme song.
– Certain scenes in X-Men ‘97 used advancements in technology when the story demanded it.
The New X-Men ’97: A Stroll Down Memory Lane
Marvel fans had a blast from the past on Wednesday when the first two episodes of ‘X-Men ’97’ premiered on Disney+. Serving as a continuation of the iconic ‘X-Men: The Animated Series’, the new show transports fans back to the nineties, retaining the essence of the original series.
Resurrecting the Past: A Technological Hurdle for the X-Men Team
Instead of rebooting or remaking old experiences, the creators decided to extend the original story from where it left off in 1997, according to Brad Winderbaum, Marvel Studios Head of TV, Streaming, and Animation. But this unwavering commitment to nostalgia came with its share of challenges, the largest being the gap in technological advancements between 1997 and now.
Animation: A Tale of Two Eras
The animation team struggled with the task of creating their content within the parameters of nineties technology. The technological advancements that have revolutionized animation since the ending of the original series in 1997 posed a major challenge. The team was told to stick to the aesthetics that were dominant during the original show’s run. “We needed to create our own rulebook based on the limitations that Larry and Lewald were under when they made the original show,” Winderbaum shared with The Walt Disney Company.
However, there were exceptions when the storyline demanded it, and when scenes from the original creators’ storyboard, which were not animated due to technological limitations, were to be included in the new series. One such example was a sequence where Rogue flips an antagonist over, a shot that was extended in the new series to match the creator’s original storyboards.
Star Voices and Memorable Theme: A Classic Touch
Winderbaum revealed that two conditions were laid out by Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, for reviving ‘X-Men ‘. The first condition was to retain the original voice cast, and the second one was to include the classic theme song. Both these elements would amplify the sense of nostalgia and help new audiences connect with the legacy of the show. Winderbaum emphasized that these decisions were crucial in recreating the magic of the original series.
How Does the Audience React to X-Men ’97?
The continuation of a beloved series, decades after the original, is a gamble. But so far, the audience response seems promising. The series gained immediate critical approval with a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes. It also secured an impressive viewership rating of 93%. Episodes 1 and 2 of ‘X-Men ’97’ are currently streaming on Disney+, with future episodes set for release every Wednesday.
In summary, the creation of ‘X-Men ’97’ proves that respect for the original narrative, combined with careful adaptation to modern tastes and technology, can lead to successful continuations of classic shows.
With this, we await more episodes of ‘X-Men ’97’, an exciting venture for both old-time fans and newcomers to the X-Men universe, bringing together the best of both eras.
