Key Takeaways:
– The X-Men '97 on Disney+ has sparked a controversy surrounding Gambit's fashion choices, leading some fans to speculate about the character's sexuality.
– A.J. LoCascio, who voices Gambit, addresses the controversy with a light-hearted and direct response, wearing the same outfit to a convention.
– Despite the controversy, the new series has received mostly positive reviews, suggesting a successful revival of the ‘90s animated series.
Unveiled on Disney+, the long-awaited series X-Men '97, a continuation of the '90s animated classic, has been generally well-received. However, Gambit's unconventional wardrobe choices spurred a controversy among fans, triggering questions about the character's sexuality.
Gambit's Unconventional Fashion Sparks Controversy
In a surprising twist, some fans have begun criticizing the flamboyant Gambit's outfit in X-Men '97. According to these viewers, the attire, particularly the pink crop top flaunting the mutant's abs, seems a tad bit too funky and seemingly out of place for the '90s setting.
The unconventional fashion choice led to speculation about Gambit's sexuality, with some fans interpreting the outfit as an insinuation of the character being gay. The critique didn't end there. Subsequent to the character's outfit reveal, the show has faced accusations of promoting ‘woke' culture, with some fans alleging that the mutants symbolize societal ostracization faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
A.J. LoCascio's Witty Counter to the Backlash
Handling the controversy in the most unexpected manner, A.J. LoCascio, who voices Gambit in the new series, took to social media to address the drama. The actor, replacing Chris Potter from the original series, screened his character's debated fashion sense with an endearing sense of confidence. In a Twitter post, LoCascio expressed his desire to acquire a version of the crop top for himself, adding a cheeky comment about needing to quit pizza for a while to rock the look.
LoCascio's Unexpected Turn of Events
Despite effectively shutting down haters with his tweet, LoCascio did not stop there. As documented by a tweet shared by X-Men Updates, the actor showed up at WonderCon 2024 at the Anaheim Convention Center, sporting the very same pink crop top that had spurred the controversy. The gesture was LoCascio's personal initiative to douse the ongoing speculation surrounding his character's sexuality.
Despite the Controversy, X-Men '97 Receives Rave Reviews
In spite of this subplot, X-Men '97 has managed to secure positive feedback. It appears that the series' nostalgic elements coupled with the inclusion of fan-favorite characters have worked in favor of the show. The series continues to prove its popularity as it resonates with those who enjoyed the original run back in the 90s.
As the ongoing debates echo around the internet, the show continues its stride on Disney+. Meanwhile, LoCascio's confident handling of the Gambit controversy is surely enhancing the allure of the series. After all, it's not every day that an actor goes above and beyond to support their character, flaunting the controversial clothing at a major convention, effectively becoming a real-life embodiment of their animated counterpart. It will be interesting to see how this narrative unfolds as X-Men '97 continues to roll out new episodes. Despite the initial controversies, the show exhibits potential for long-term success, and it continues to engage viewers on Disney+.
