Key Takeaways:
– The late 90s X-Men: The Animated Series has profoundly influenced the X-Men film franchise.
– Bryan Singer, the director of the first X-Men film, used the animated series as a template for his character lineup.
– There are reports that the upcoming X-Men reboot by Michael Leslie will use the same process and characters.
The Web of X-Men Influence
When we look at the world of Marvel, we see a vast universe of characters and stories. Among them, one group has set a powerful and revolutionary trend. This group is none other than the X-Men. Their legacy, spanning from animation to live-action films, is perhaps one of the most celebrated in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Today, we dive into how the X-Men Animated Series has defined and continues to shape the beloved franchise.
Dawn Of X-Men: Full Circle
Before the MCU took root and became a household name, 20th Century Fox pioneered a drive into the superhero film genre with one of Marvel’s flagship teams. They systematically bought X-Men’s rights, similar to how Sony acquired Spider-Man. By the 90s, an animated version, X-Men: The Animated Series, had already won the hearts of fans. However, this was only the beginning.
Bryan Singer, a well-known director, brought life to the X-Men franchise through his groundbreaking movie, simply titled ‘X-Men’, in 2000. With a star-studded cast, including Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, and Ian McKellen, the film achieved international popularity. Interestingly though, this cinematic success stemmed from inspiration drawn from the past. Singer revealed in a SlashFilm interview that he used X-Men: The Animated Show as a template for character selection in the film. To put it simply, he used a winning formula.
X-Men Reboot Following the Same Path?
As the saying goes, history tend to repeat itself, and it seems that this X-Men reboot is no different. There are signals that the upcoming reboot of the franchise may have a similar cadence. Despite rumors of a fresh perspective by screenwriter Michael Leslie, insider reports suggest that elements from the animated series might surface in the reboot script.
DanielRPK, a notable insider, has sparked debates by hinting at Leslie’s script featuring characters from X-Men ‘97, the animated series successor. This claim has resulted in mixed reactions among the fans. Some voiced concern, questioning the need for an expensive reboot that primarily repeats past storylines and characters.
Meanwhile, X-Men ’97 continues to grow in popularity since its release, with high ratings of 8.9/10 on IMDB and an impressive 99% on Rotten Tomatoes. This new series, consisting of 10 episodes, is available for streaming in the U.S. on Disney+.
Continuing the Legacy or Repeating History?
Undeniably, the X-Men franchise has radically transformed the cinematic experience. The looming question for fans and critics alike is whether the impending reboot will carry forward the X-Men legacy in an innovative way or merely replay the same narrative. Whatever the outcome, we can be sure of one thing – the X-Men saga continues and will assuredly maintain its position as a cornerstone franchise in the Marvel Universe.
In closing, the X-Men franchise’s journey, from the animated series that became a template for an iconic film franchise to a possible reboot reportedly treading the same path, speaks volumes about the timeless appeal of these characters. It is a testament to the creative genius behind the X-Men universe that continues to inspire and captivate audiences of all ages.
