X-Men ’97 Cast Talks Series Influence on The MCU (Exclusive)

X-Men ’97 became one of the biggest animated series on Disney+, and for good reason. The melodramatic show brings back Marvel’s Merry Mutants for the first time in decades, while introducing plenty of comic book material to throw some major hurdles at Professor Xavier’s students. Recently, we here at ComicBook.com had the opportunity to talk with voice actors Cal Dodd (Wolverine), Lenore Zann (Rogue), George Buza (Beast), and Adrian Hough (Nightcrawler) about reprising their roles from the original series at the convention Dragon Con. In chatting with the legendary cast, we discussed the animated series’ influence on the Marvel Cinematic Universe and what the actors thought of this development.

To start the conversation, when the cast was asked what they thought of the Marvel Cinematic Universe incorporating elements from the X-Men Animated Series into the films and TV shows, George Buza hilariously noted, “I think they’re smart people and they know what they’re doing. Sometimes we do feel left out, though!” Adding to this, Lenore Zann added her excitement at the recent developments, “It feels good. We started the show back in the ’90s, before the whole franchise had really taken off. The Fox movies weren’t until the 2000s, and we were really working hard to stay true to the comic book variations. We’re thrilled to be back and see what’s happening in the MCU with the X-Men.”

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The voice of Wolverine, Cal Dodd, shared his thoughts regarding the animated series’ influence, noting the differences between ’97 and the MCU, “It’s really like apples and oranges as they are two different things. Like when I saw Rogue in the first movie, I just sat back and thought to myself, ‘Who the hell is that supposed to be??’ It didn’t look anything like her! Hugh (Jackman) is 6’3, not 5’3 like our version, not that it matters. I just think ours is much better!”

X-Men ’97 Season 2

Alongside talking about X-Men ’97’s influence on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we asked the cast about the changes their characters went through in season one and whether that would affect their upcoming performances in season two. Cal Dodd, whose Wolverine had his adamantium ripped out of his skeleton by Magneto in the first season, didn’t expect too much of a difference for Logan in the show’s return, “I don’t see a change for my character. He is who he is, you do anything to him and he bounces right back. That all you got? NEXT!”

Rogue’s voice actor, Lenore Zann, talked how the return for season two will mimic the cast’s return for the revival, “It’s a lot like recent comeback, we’re picking up right where we left off. The revival started a few weeks or months following the original animated series so we’re still the same characters. Season two will still be the exact same characters, but as in any situation with humans, traumatic events will affect your emotions.”

Nightcrawler voice actor Adrian Hough, in character, told the fans, “Mein Freund, you’ll just have to wait and see.”

Want to see how Marvel’s mutants continue to be a part of the company’s Cinematic Universe? Follow along with ComicBook.com for the latest updates and hit us up in the comments.