Latest news with #XMen97
Forbes
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘Eyes Of Wakanda' Writer Marc Bernardin On Marvel's Animated Black Panther Spinoff
It's been a long winter for Marvel fans looking for the blend of memorable characters, brisk storytelling, clever worldbuilding and spectacular visuals that built the studio into a juggernaut in the 2010s. One pocket of hope lies with Marvel Studios Animation, producers of the very entertaining in-continuity series What If…? and the huge hit X-Men '97, two of Marvel's best-received projects of the 2020s. They continue that winning streak with Eyes of Wakanda, a new 4-episode miniseries that dropped this month on Disney+, that delves into the backstory of the Black Panther's homeland while weaving some loose threads in Marvel's story tapestry in with actual history and myth. Showrunner Todd Harris, who developed the visual look for a raft of hits at Marvel and elsewhere over the past decade-plus, put together a great team around the show, including writer Marc Bernardin (Jay and Silent Bob, Star Trek), who wrote episodes two and three and is listed as a co-producer of the series. 'Todd sold [MCU head] Kevin Feige on this story of Wakanda through the ages,' said Bernardin in a phone interview earlier this month. 'As a writers room, we just started exploring where we could set these stories and how we could get the most bang for our buck.' Bernardin says he was intrigued by the premise of the hidden kingdom of Wakanda interacting with the outside world across the wide sweep of history. The first two episodes of the series take place thousands of years in the past, while the final two are in more recent centuries. 'One story we knew we wanted to tell was the Trojan War story,' he said, referring to S1E02, 'Legends and Lies,' which he wrote. 'We knew Memnon, a character from the Iliad, was a king of Ethiopia who had something to do with Achilles, so legend already gave us a head start.' Rather than giving us a paint-by-numbers action yarn, Bernardin uses the premise to explore the ethical compromises and hard choices that Memnon – secretly a Wakandan agent tasked with recovering a stolen artifact from Troy – has to navigate at the cost of his close personal relationships and honor. The story loses none of its depth and drama for being animated, while gaining a lot of visual panache. Bernardin's other script, S1E03, 'Lost and Found,' involves a more cocky Wakandan agent stealing another artifact, this one from an enclave in medieval China, only to discover that he might be the one getting played. 'Todd [Harris] is a huge martial arts fan, so we wanted to do a Kung Fu story,' said Bernardin. 'We thought, 'let's do a James Bond story with Kung Fu, where the Bond girl is every bit is formidable as Bond is.' Those were the pieces on the table that we get to play with.' In the episode, (minor spoilers), the Wakandan operative is followed back to his reclusive homeland by the woman he thought he was using to gain access to a sacred artifact. Instead, she is actually a powerful warrior trained in the 'Iron Fist' discipline from her homeland Kun Lun. Iron Fist is another Marvel character, last seen on screen in an unremarkable Netflix series from 2017, whose backstory is similar to the Black Panther. 'Kun Lun and Wakanda are almost sister cities,' said Bernardin. 'They are secret places in the world that have become advanced and enlightened, and they produce heroes with special abilities. Keeping Iron Fist alive was something [the Marvel brain trust] was interested in doing because I think it's something they want to pay off later.' These little breadcrumbs in Eyes of Wakanda tie the series to the broader MCU without the sense that viewers need to 'do their homework,' as tends to happen in the studio's more recent live action series and features. It also keeps alive the legacy of Marvel's last bona fide solo superhero hit from the big screen – a character pivotal enough that you can almost track the change in critical and box office fortunes of the MCU to the demise of Black Panther's charismatic star Chadwick Boseman, who died in August, 2020. 'Eyes of Wakanda is definitely a way to keep Wakanda in the hearts and minds of the audience, knowing that there is ultimately a thing they can't have back,' said Bernardin. 'They wanted the Black Panther they fell in love with. So how do we give them those kinds of stories without invalidating or diminishing what they loved? We end up eliding it by saying 'we love it too, and here are some other things you might love.' We provide connections to the Black Panther in ways that feel respectful, that are still about these characters and their importance in the world.' Eyes of Wakanda also resonates thematically with the Afrofuturist vibe that made Black Panther so inspiring. In the MCU, Wakanda exists as a counternarrative to colonial conceptions of Africa as backward compared to the west. Instead it was actually an African civilization that developed all of these technological and cultural innovations well before anyone else; they just guarded them jealously rather than imposing them on the rest of the world. The animated series makes clear that extends as far back into history as you care to go. It was a bold premise when Jack Kirby and Stan Lee introduced it in the comics in 1966; it was bold on screen in 2018, and it remains bold, maybe bolder than ever, in the brave new world of America in 2025. 'Given a few things that have happened in the world [since the show was first conceived several years ago], I think it would be difficult to impossible to get Season One greenlit today,' says Bernardin. 'But, it did get produced. It's out there. And if it achieves some measurable success, the possibility of Season 2 becomes a business decision. Disney can read the data as well as anyone, but it would be difficult to steer away from it if it works. Fans seem to like it. Critics seem to like it. Can we give them more? Sure. There are so many place we can go, we have nothing but a broad canvas of history in which to set more stories.'
Geek Tyrant
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
X-MEN ‘97 Showrunner Claims Kevin Feige 'Resented' the Animated Series' Success — GeekTyrant
The creative clash behind Marvel's X-Men '97 just got a whole lot messier. According to former showrunner Beau DeMayo, X-Men '97 may have been a hit with fans, but it was also a sore spot for Kevin Feige, the architect of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In a passionate and candid series of social media posts, DeMayo didn't hold back as he detailed why he believes the MCU is struggling creatively and how his own animated project stirred up resentment at the top of Marvel Studios. Despite being fired by Marvel ahead of X-Men '97 's premiere, with the studio citing 'egregious' behavior and severing all ties following an internal investigation, DeMayo insists his criticisms stem from genuine creative frustration, not spite. "Remember, I was told by a TOP exec at Marvel last year that Kevin resented my work and the show because FANS like you were using it as a referendum on how Kevin's MCU is failing." According to DeMayo, Feige and his close circle (referred to as 'the Parliament') didn't appreciate how much X-Men '97 resonated with fans, especially since it was outside their control. 'I was told this in a phone call after Ep 5 premiered. I asked the exec if Kevin was happy, because stupidly I still wanted to help the studio out. There response was a long pause, and then I was told that he'd be 'happier' if fans and audiences weren't using it as a referendum on what the MCU needs to be doing to fix itself. 'What makes it worse I think is that Kevin has nothing to do with #xmen97 and could take no credit for it. Even internally, before the show aired, Marvel employees were reaching out to me asking how I was able to make a show this good given where the studio was, and how it's the best thing the studio had done. With their praise I noticed more and more that I was becoming a threat and regret to studio leadership.' DeMayo claimed Feige was annoyed that people were holding the animated show up as an example of what the MCU should be, a franchise that takes canon seriously and focuses on character-driven storytelling. 'Kevin is introducing new concepts like adamantium and mutant Ms Marvel while simultaneously recycling old Fox characters all before telling us they're going to reboot everything anyways? Like, what the f*ck?' DeMayo also alleges that Marvel leadership downplayed the success of the series and actively tried to erase his contributions. 'Instead of looking at what my team and I did and learning to replicate our focus on canon and deep character work, they smeared me, tactically threatened the crew not to speak out while continuing to still abuse them, and have done everything to act like #xmen97 wasn't a hit.' He pointed to the absence of Feige and Marvel exec Louis D'Esposito at the X-Men '97 premiere as another example of the studio's lack of support. 'They didn't show up to thank the fans. They didn't show up to thank @xmentas, the Lewalds and Houston or the OG voice cast, for how they built that foundation back in the 90s of the MCU. Nope, we were just a little cartoon that wasn't sexy enough or taken seriously enough to warrant that great Kevin Feige to attend.' Despite the personal controversy surrounding DeMayo's exit, which includes disturbing allegations of inappropriate behavior, there's no denying that X-Men '97 struck a nerve with longtime Marvel fans in a way recent live-action MCU projects haven't. Even Deadpool & Wolverine director Shawn Levy and Ryan Reynolds have acknowledged the show's impact. 'Sorry, that was #xmen97, and even Ryan Reynolds has acknowledged it. Sadly, Kevin Fiege and his sycophants hated that what I created with my team was getting all the praise it did.' DeMayo ended his commentary with a call for Marvel to return to storytelling rooted in the comics and characters, not just celebrity cameos and box office hype. 'There's no talk of the actual heroes or characters or story, because Kevin and his brood are just Star-fucking at this point hoping it'll earn dollars at the box office.' It's still unclear how Marvel Studios plans to reboot the X-Men for the MCU. With X-Men '97 set to return for Season 2, though without DeMayo, the pressure is on for Feige and company to deliver something that meets fan expectations. Until then, the legacy o f X-Men '97 is now tangled in behind-the-scenes drama and questions about Marvel's direction. DeMayo may be out of the picture, but his criticisms are echoing through the fandom, challenging the studio to prove it hasn't lost its way.
Geek Girl Authority
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
Why X-MEN '97 Should Be Marvel's Standard for Future Projects
Why X-Men '97 Should Be Marvel's Standard for Future Projects by Amanda Vincent Marvel's latest phase didn't have the magic of the Infinity Saga (the films from Iron Man to Avengers: Endgame ), and there has been a noticeable decline in quality. This has led to many fans disengaging with Marvel and lowering their expectations. However, a few projects exceed expectations and prove that Marvel can still make amazing content. Last March, X-Men '97 debuted on Disney+ and was an instant hit. The show picks up after the end of X-Men: The Animated Series, which concluded in 1996. It keeps the core spirit of the original while including updated animation and opening with a fresh new version of the iconic theme song. Highlighting Dynamics X-MEN '97 Season 1. Photo courtesy of Marvel Animation. © 2024 MARVEL. As a long-time X-Men fan, I think this show is nearly flawless. It highlights the intimate relationships between the team members. It allows them to feel like a true family that loves each other regardless of conflict. RELATED: TV Review: X-Men '97 Season 1 At their best, the X-Men operate like soap opera characters. The show leans into this heavily, starting strong with Scott (Cyclops) discovering that Mr. Sinister replaced his wife, Jean Grey, with a clone. The clone (Madelyne) had just given birth to their child, making things even more complicated. Jean catches Scott and Madelyne having a psychic moment together and struggles to trust her husband again. Along with this, Rogue and Remy (Gambit)'s relationship becomes complicated when Erik enters the picture. We discover that Rogue and Erik have a past, and she still cares deeply for him. Because of his magnetism powers, Erik is the one person Rogue can touch without harming, something she could never do with Remy. The Sentinel Master Mold kills Remy in the middle of the season, sending Rogue into a spiral of grief and anger. Individual Moments to Shine X-MEN '97 Season 1. Photo courtesy of Marvel Animation. © 2024 MARVEL. X-Men '97 does a fantastic job of balancing a larger team and giving each core member their moment to shine. It was fun to see characters like Nightcrawler, Morph, and Cable play pivotal roles in the plot, as they were not always present in the original series. RELATED: Defending X-Men : Here's Why These Movies Should Be Grouped, Not Ranked Storm's character arc stands out. Early in the show, her powers are taken from her, leading to a journey of self-discovery and rejuvenation. She connects with Forge, a mutant who can invent anything he can imagine. He endeavors to help her regain her powers. With Forge, they encounter The Adversary, a demonic entity whose sole purpose is to destroy the universe. While resisting The Adversary's psychic attacks, Storm regains her powers, and she comes back stronger than ever. I always felt the original animated series and the Fox movies underused Storm, so it was well overdue to give her a quality story. Character-Driven Stories X-MEN '97 Season 1. Photo courtesy of Marvel Animation. © 2024 MARVEL. The show's plot is engaging and energetic because of its compelling characters. When Marvel focuses on telling character-driven stories, rather than making projects for the sake of the larger universe, they are at their best. RELATED: X-Men + Star Trek : Why You Must Read Planet X The show also excels at providing terrifying villains. Mr. Sinister, The Adversary, and Bastion, a human-Sentinel hybrid, are all genuinely scary and are not easy for the team to defeat. It's been a while since a Marvel project had a quality antagonist, so this was refreshing to see. X-Men '97 should serve as a blueprint for Marvel's future projects and is truly one of the best representations of the X-Men on screen. Going forward, Marvel should zoom in on the story they want to tell for each film and Disney+ show, rather than always zooming out to the next big event. Thunderbolts* and Daredevil: Born Again are two projects that show promise for the future. RELATED: Thunderbolts* : Does the Film Hide an Original Comic Book Member in Plain Sight? Thunderbolts* Like X-Men '97, Thunderbolts* successfully gives the audience more insight into characters who had not been given much attention while also setting up the MCU's next big event. The film also explores themes of grief and trauma while creating a compelling and heartwarming family dynamic. Each member of the New Avengers roster gets their moment, both in the action scenes and in more emotional ones. The film feels different from the typical Marvel formula. It's stylistically creative and a fun reset from a long stretch of mediocre films. The film's antagonist, The Void, is truly an unexpected and creative twist, and is chilling to watch on screen. Daredevil: Born Again Daredevil: Born Again also excels with its antagonist, Wilson Fisk (Kingpin). Just like in the original series, Fisk is a formidable threat not only to Daredevil but all of New York City. The show's stakes continue to rise as Fisk becomes Mayor and assumes control of those around him. The first season ends with a cliffhanger, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats to see if Daredevil and his allies can win in the end. RELATED: Who Is Bob Reynolds, the Newest Hero Introduced in Thunderbolts* ? Like X-Men '97 , the show is grounded in its setting and is not focused on establishing the next crossover event or bigger film. Born Again completely immerses itself in New York City. Each episode includes interviews with residents expressing their thoughts on Fisk's mayoral campaign and the aftermath of his taking office. The show is a great example of zooming in and fully committing to the story. Learning From X-Men '97 Both projects could benefit from more in-depth exploration of their characters while highlighting the strengths of everyone in the cast. Still, it appears Marvel is headed in the right direction. Hopefully, future projects can do this even better. With The Fantastic Four: First Steps coming out this month, we will soon learn if this new era of Marvel is on the brink of success or more of the same mediocrity. X-Men '97 Season 1 is now streaming on Disney+. DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN Season 2 Sees the Return of Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones
Gizmodo
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
See How ‘X-Men '97' Brought Cyclops to Life With a Look Inside Its Gorgeous New Artbook
There was a lot to love about X-Men '97's continuation and evolution of the iconic X-Men: The Animated Series when its first season rolled out last year, but perhaps one of the best was the reminder to X-fans who's primary experience with the character had been in adaptation rather than in the comics that Cyclops has always been one of the best X-Men characters in comics. Marrying people's memories of Scott from the original show with the huge development the character underwent throughout the 21st century was a key part of updating him for X-Men '97–and now you can get some insight as to how it all happened in the series' expansive new artbook. Published by Abrams and written by James Field, X-Men '97: The Art and Making of the Animated Series dives into the early days of Marvel Television's decision to revive one of its most legendary cartoon series for a modern age. Featuring insight from creatives at every level of making the series, from head of Marvel TV Brad Winderbaum to artists and producers, the book also includes hundreds of new, never-before-seen concept art, storyboards, and early design concepts for how the team updated the '90s aesthetic of the show, while incorporating elements of comics designs and evolutions from across the X-Men's entire history. It's a perfect pickup for anyone who's in the long haul waiting for the show's highly anticipated second season, but for now, io9 has an exclusive first look inside the book for you to check out below, with insight on the earliest days of bringing X-Men '97 to life, as well as an exclusive look at the book's section on Cyclops. Want to learn just how long it took to get Scott's optic-blast-fuelled superhero landing right? Look no further! X-Men '97: The Art and Making of the Animated Series hits shelves July 1, and is available to preorder now. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Geek Tyrant
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Original X-MEN '97 Creator Beau DeMayo Reveals His Ambitious, Scrapped Vision for Season 2 — GeekTyrant
Before X-Men '97 premiered to critical and fan acclaim, creator Beau DeMayo had already been removed from the series. Though still credited as a writer on Season 2, his exact contributions remain uncertain, and now, we have a better idea of what his vision entailed. In a series of posts, DeMayo broke down his original concept for Season 2, offering fans a tease into a darker, more politically charged chapter for the X-Men. It included mutant militias, time travel, and a massive showdown in Washington D.C. DeMayo wrote: 'So, I'm curious what remains in #xmen97 Season 2 when it comes to New X-Men costumes. My intention in using Grant Morrison's and Frank Quietly's uniforms was this: 'In my version of Season 2, E-Day leads to mutant task forces like the X-Men being banned in the US and so Xavier — eager to find the next step in his dream as rival groups X-Force and X-Factor spring up while the X-Men are scattered through time — founds X-Corp, building the tower from the comics on the ruins of Genosha as a challenge to Val Cooper and the UN since X-Force would now operate outside of UN jurisdiction.'' DeMayo saw Season 2 as a radical evolution of Charles Xavier's vision, one that gets twisted by darker forces. He added: 'To me, Quietly's designs felt more militant and that's something I intended to explore in Season 2 as Xavier begins to militarize his dream, moving them away from being heroes, with the final reveal being in the S2 finale (which has been cut) that it was Onslaught slowly gaining control of Xavier that made him defy the UN, start X-Corp, and militarize his team.' DeMayo was laying the groundwork for one of the most dangerous villains in X-Men history to make a surprise return. His plan would've culminated in a massive final act: 'When the X-Men realize this, and Onslaught reveals himself at the end of Episode 9, they don their classic 90s costumes again and return to being heroes as they lead the Avengers, X-Factor, and X-Force against Onslaught as he steals Ship (from the OG's Obsession) from Apocalypse and unleashes it on Washington D.C. during Graydon Creed's inauguration.' That would've been a universe-spanning climax worthy of the best X-Men arcs. But with DeMayo no longer steering the ship, it's unclear how much (if any) of this will make it into the final cut of Season 2. Marvel hasn't announced a release date for the new season, but expectations are high. Whether we get even a shadow of this Onslaught arc remains to be seen, but fans will definitely be watching closely.
