Will ‘X-Men ’97’ Be Canon in The MCU?

The animated X-Men series (1992-1997) was the original MCU for many people—myself included. Watching the show as a kid, started a lifelong love affair with Marvel characters, especially the X-Men. For me, if the show said something was canon, then it was canon. Since the nineties, Marvel and Disney made a few films that took comic book characters from Saturday morning cartoons to huge money-making blockbusters. Some 28 films make up the Marvel Cinematic Universe, yet none of them feature the X-Men.

On Disney Plus Day in November 2021, they announced a revival of the wonderful animated series. The new X-Men ’97 animated show will pick up right after the events of season five of the original show. As jazzed as I am for any new X-Men content (especially since much of the original voice cast is coming back), it leaves me wondering if Professor X’s gang will finally be part of the MCU.

Will ‘X-Men ’97’ Be Canon?

In a recent interview, The Direct asked X-Men ’97 head writer Beau DeMayo if the new show meant official MCU status for the mutants. In typical Marvel spoiler fashion, DeMayo tap-danced around an answer. DeMayo said:

“The one thing I can say towards that is, I know sometimes we say, No comment,’ and it’s like, ‘They’re just being obstinate.’ I’m gonna go with no comment here because part of the surprise will be finding that out when you experience the show.”

As usual, the vague answer will keep us guessing until the show premiers in 2023.

However, hints in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness may make a strong case that the X-Men will be canon even sooner. Even in a trailer for the newest Marvel movie, a brief glimpse of Professor Xavier showed an animated series-accurate chair. That iconic yellow floating device opens the door for more X-Men.

When another Disney Plus animated series came out, What If…?, fans wondered if that was canon or not too. Using the multiverse as a device to either keep things or ax them. It gives creators a lot of wiggle room to identify what is truly MCU canon. For example, Captain Carter premiered in What If…? and appears in Doctor Strange 2. She also stars in a new limited series Marvel comic book.

I’m hopeful the X-Men make their way from animated stars to the blockbusters, like the other heroes. The mutants are the heart and soul of Marvel.

If nothing else, they need to make that sick theme song part of the MCU. I have been humming that jam for 30 years.

(featured image: Marvel)