The latest toy from Marvel Studios' upcoming X-Men '97 showcases Ororo Monroe with Storm's new look and a redesigned X-Jet.
X-Men: The Animated Series premiered in 1992 on Fox Kids Network and is still considered one of the best Marvel cartoon shows. The series adapted storylines from the comics much better than any of the live-action X-Men movies and remains the definitive image many fans have of the iconic mutant superhero team. Disney announced plans to continue the series in November 2021, and fans were ecstatic despite the cartoon ending in 1997.
Disney has been releasing merchandise before the premiere of X-Men '97, having already shown the return of a classic X-Men villain. The latest release showcases fan-favorite Ororo Monroe as Storm and the iconic X-Jet. Both look a little different from their original designs from the '90s, but fans are already giving their approval.
The four-inch Storm figurine shows the Egyptian weather goddess rocking the mohawk she’s most famous for in the Days of Future Past storyline, while her costume seems close to the original. On the other hand, the X-Jet has seen some upgrades since fans last saw it. The X-Men's reliable ride is a little sportier and features larger windows. Since Storm is the only team member included with the X-Jet, fans speculate that she’ll be the primary pilot.
Although Storm is sporting a new haircut, she’s still voiced by Alison Sealy-Smith, the original voice actress for the weather-controlling mutant in X-Men: The Animated Series. Several other original voice actors are reprising their roles, including Lenore Zann as Rogue, Cal Dodd as Wolverine, George Buza as Beast, and Chris Potter as Gambit. New voice talents, such as legendary voice actress Jennifer Hale, are also joining the show/
Not much has been revealed about X-Men '97's plot, but Disney has confirmed the main villain for the first season is Mr. Sinister. Mr. Sinister was a common foe in the original series with a foolproof plan to take down the X-Men. No X-Men story would be complete without an appearance by Eric Lensherr as Magneto, and X-Men '97 is no exception. The omega-level mutant’s role in the new show isn’t clear yet, but Disney announced he’d be taking a leadership role in the X-Men.
Little else is known about X-Men '97, including if it’ll make its late 2023 release. Although fans must wait to see the new look for Storm, the X-Jet, and the rest of the team, they can always catch up on the original series on Disney Plus.
X-Men '97 is expected to release on Disney Plus in late 2023.
Source: The Direct