Curious about the X-Men ‘97 voice cast? This piece unveils the cast members behind the beloved characters, showcasing a mix of original series alumni and new voices joining to bring life to Wolverine, Rogue, Cyclops and more.
Get ready to learn more about the people lending their vocal talents in this highly acclaimed continuation of the hit 90s animated series.
In this article
- About the Animated Series
- The Voice Cast of X-Men ’97
- Returning Voice Actors
- Cal Dodd as Wolverine
- Lenore Zann as Rogue
- George Buza as Beast
- Alison Sealy-Smith as Storm
- Adrian Hough as Nightcrawler
- Chris Britton as Mister Sinister
- New Additions to the Voice Cast
- Ray Chase as Cyclops
- Jennifer Hale as Jean Grey
- Holly Chou as Jubilee
- Matthew Waterson as Magneto
- J.P. Karliak as Morph
- Ross Marquand as Professor Charles Xavier
- A.J. LoCascio as Gambit
- Fan Reactions and Expectations
- 2024 Emmy Award Nomination
- Let’s Sum it Up
- Frequently Asked Questions
About the Animated Series
- X-Men ‘97 features a voice cast blending original actors with fresh talent, amping up the nostalgia while introducing new energy.
- Key characters like Cyclops, Jean Grey, Wolverine, Rogue and Magneto are back, showcasing complex relationships and deeper narratives.
- The Marvel Studios animated series premiered on Disney+ in March 2024 and earned both critical praise and fan accolades, plus a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
The Voice Cast of X-Men ’97
The voice cast of X-Men ‘97 brings together a harmonious mix of the original show’s beloved actors with new voices that infuse vibrancy into the series. This combination caters to fans who cherish the nostalgia and welcomes those who are just discovering this version of the X-Men universe for the first time.
Retaining many from the original roster, these voice actors provide a strong connection to their characters that resonates with fans of the franchise. Their iconic voices anchor us in familiarity while newly recruited talents expand character development and bring innovation through their interpretation of the roles.
Achieving a balance between old and new is achieved successfully in X-Men ‘97, crafting a collection of voices both familiar and refreshingly innovative. It positions this revival as one that respects its lineage, even as it ventures forward confidently into exciting territory for viewers old and new alike.
Returning Voice Actors
For many fans, the return of several original voice actors is one of the most thrilling aspects of X-Men ‘97. These actors were instrumental in defining the characters during the original run from 1992 to 1997 and their return brings a sense of continuity. Here are actors reprising their roles.
The voice director, Meredith Layne, also played a crucial role in casting and directing the voice recording sessions, ensuring that the performances aligned with the original series.
Cal Dodd as Wolverine
Cal Dodd, the iconic voice behind Logan, aka Wolverine, in X-Men: The Animated Series, brings the gruff character to life with a raw energy and intensity. His deep, gravelly voice perfectly captures Wolverine’s rugged exterior and his unwavering determination. Dodd’s portrayal of the mutant hero became synonymous with the character throughout the 90s.
Dodd returns to voice Wolverine in X-Men ’97, ensuring that this beloved character maintains the rough-edged tone so cherished by fans of the original series.
Lenore Zann as Rogue
Lenore Zann is a distinguished Canadian voice actor and politician best known for her iconic role as Rogue in X-Men: The Animated Series and reprising it in X-Men ’97. Her portrayal of Rogue, with its distinct Southern drawl and fierce attitude, became a defining aspect of the character. Zann’s performance captures the complexity of Rogue’s strength and vulnerability, making her one of the most memorable characters in the X-Men franchise.
Beyond her work in animation, Zann has had a diverse career, including live-action roles and a significant tenure in Canadian politics, where she served as a Member of Parliament, showcasing her multifaceted talents and commitment to public service.
Zann lending her voice once again for Rogue in the new series provides both continuity and an authentic touch that is appreciated by fans of the original animated series.
George Buza as Beast
George Buza, the voice behind Beast in the X-Men: The Animated Series and X-Men ’97, brings a unique blend of humor, intelligence and compassion to the character. His strong, resonant voice perfectly captures Beast’s scholarly demeanor and his unwavering dedication to protecting the mutant population. Buza’s performance not only made Beast a fan favorite but also solidified his place as one of the most memorable voices in the franchise.
Beyond his distinctive voice, Buza’s portrayal of Beast is marked by his ability to convey the character’s complex emotions. Whether it’s the frustration of being misunderstood, the joy of friendship or the fear of losing loved ones, Buza’s performance is nuanced and heartfelt. His ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level makes Beast a character that fans can truly empathize with and admire.
Alison Sealy-Smith as Storm
Alison Sealy-Smith, the talented voice actor behind Storm in X-Men: The Animated Series and X-Men ’97, adds a powerful and commanding presence to the character. Her rich, expressive voice perfectly captures Storm’s regal demeanor and her fierce determination to protect the mutant race. Sealy-Smith’s portrayal of Storm as a strong, independent woman was groundbreaking in the 1990s and continues to inspire audiences today.
Beyond her impressive vocal abilities, Sealy-Smith also adds a deep understanding of Storm’s complex character to her performance. She skillfully conveys Storm’s inner turmoil, her struggle to balance her mutant powers with her humanity and her unwavering loyalty to her fellow X-Men.
Adrian Hough as Nightcrawler
Adrian Hough portrays Nightcrawler with a unique and memorable performance in both X-Men: The Animated Series and X-Men ’97. His expressive voice perfectly captures Nightcrawler’s compassion, loyalty and contemplative nature, injecting life into a character who is always willing to help his fellow mutants.
Chris Britton as Mister Sinister
Chris Britton, the instantly recognizable voice behind Mister Sinister in X-Men: The Animated Series and X-Men ’97, provides a chilling and menacing presence to the character. He perfectly captures Sinister’s ominous nature and his relentless pursuit of power. Britton’s performance makes Mister Sinister one of the most terrifying villains in the X-Men universe, and his chilling laugh remains a memorable part of the franchise.
New Additions to the Voice Cast
These additions to the voice cast bring a fresh dynamic to X-Men ‘97, adding new layers to the characters and stories while complementing the return of the original voice actors.
Ray Chase as Cyclops
Ray Chase has a commanding presence as Scott Summers, aka Cyclops, succeeding for the late Norm Spencer who originated the role. His voice conveys his character’s leadership qualities and unwavering determination to protect the mutant race. Chase’s portrayal of Cyclops as a strong, principled leader is a fitting continuation of the character’s legacy established in the original series.
Beyond his impressive vocal abilities, Chase also brings nuance to his performance of Cyclops, showing the character’s inner turmoil. He skillfully captures the character’s growth and development since the original series as he navigates the challenges of leadership and the complexities of his relationships with the other X-Men.
Jennifer Hale as Jean Grey
Jennifer Hale takes on the role of Jean Grey with a powerful and nuanced performance. Her striking voice perfectly captures Jean’s emotional depth. Hale’s portrayal of Jean as a complex and compassionate individual who is constantly battling her demons has made her a welcome addition to the X-Men voice team.
Beyond her impressive vocal abilities, Hale also has a deep understanding of Jean’s character. She skillfully conveys Jean’s inner turmoil, her struggle to balance her mutant powers with her humanity and her unwavering loyalty to her fellow X-Men. She also adds more layers to Jean Grey’s persona while exploring the relationship with Cyclops.
Holly Chou as Jubilee
Holly Chou is the new voice behind Jubilee in X-Men ’97. As a pivotal character in the X-Men universe, Jubilee is known for her youthful energy, optimism and her ability to generate explosive energy plasmoids. Chou’s voice work infuses Jubilee with a fresh yet familiar vibe, capturing the essence of the character that fans loved from the original animated series. Her portrayal is highlighted by Jubilee’s growth, showcasing both her playful side and her evolution into a more mature and capable member of the X-Men team.
With this role, Chou makes a significant mark on the beloved franchise with her performance, ensuring that Jubilee remains a popular character for both old and new audiences alike.
Matthew Waterson as Magneto
Matthew Waterson is a skilled voice actor who takes on the formidable role of Magneto in X-Men ’97. Magneto, one of the most complex and iconic characters in the X-Men universe, is known for his magnetic powers and his profound, often morally ambiguous convictions about mutant supremacy. Waterson’s portrayal brings a new dimension to the character, capturing Magneto’s intensity, charisma and inner turbulence as he navigates his place as both a leader and a father figure within the mutant community. His voice work emphasizes Magneto’s gravitas and the emotional depth that has made the character so memorable.
Beyond his role in X-Men ’97, Waterson has established himself as a versatile voice actor with a wide range of credits in animation, video games and film. His ability to embody characters with distinct personalities and complex motivations makes him well-suited to portray a character as multifaceted as Magneto. With his robust voice and strong presence, Waterson delivers a compelling interpretation of Magneto that resonates with both longtime fans of the franchise and new audiences.
J.P. Karliak as Morph
J.P. Karliak, a renowned voice actor and comedian, adds new life to the enigmatic and shape-shifting mutant, Morph. With his unique vocal range and ability to convey a wide spectrum of emotions, Karliak’s portrayal of Morph embraces the character’s mischievous nature and sometimes unpredictable abilities.
Some of Karliak’s other notable roles include The Joker in Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League and Reese in the animated feature film Batman: The Killing Joke alongside two of the most famous voice actors, Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill.
Ross Marquand as Professor Charles Xavier
Ross Marquand, a versatile voice actor also known for playing Aaron on The Walking Dead, lent his talents to the larger-than-life Professor Charles Xavier in X-Men ’97. His portrayal of the wise and benevolent leader of the mutant community captures the character’s intelligence, compassion and unwavering belief in a world where mutants can coexist peacefully with humans. Marquand’s performance adds intensity and gravitas, making Professor X an important presence in the new series.
A.J. LoCascio as Gambit
A.J. LoCascio delivers a charismatic and energetic portrayal of Gambit. With his smooth Southern drawl and playful demeanor, LoCascio portrays the charming and mischievous mutant known for his kinetic energy manipulation. His performance captures Gambit’s quick wit and his complex relationship with Rogue, leading to one of the most harrowing moments in the first season.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
The first season of X-Men ‘97 was overwhelmingly praised by fans, delivering a story that continued the story from the 1990s series while also showing that it had matured along with its audience. There are several factors that played into its success.
First, there’s the element of nostalgia. Fans were thrilled to see their favorite characters back in action, with many of the original voice actors reprising their roles. The series is also inspired by classic comic book storylines, adapting various arcs from the original X-Men comics to create a narrative that resonates with both longtime fans and new viewers.
Second, the storytelling and story arcs have never been stronger and the first season offered a compelling continuation of the X-Men’s story, with complex characters, epic battles and emotionally charged moments.
Third is the refined, updated animation style. While maintaining the classic aesthetic, the animation was improved, offering a more modern, high-resolution visual experience. The series’ success can also be attributed to meticulous post-production work, which ensured that the animation, voice acting and overall presentation met the highest standards.
And finally is the respect that it paid to the original series. In its debut season, the show was faithful to the spirit of the X-Men: The Animated Series while also introducing new elements and storylines.
Overall, X-Men ‘97 Season 1 was a critical and commercial success, leaving fans eager for more. A second season is in production.
2024 Emmy Award Nomination
X-Men ‘97 earned a well-deserved 2024 Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Animated Program, thanks to its combination of exceptional animation, engaging storytelling, strong character development and incomparable voice cast.
The nomination capped the triumphant return of the X-Men to the small screen. Fans and critics alike were thrilled to see X-Men ‘97 recognized for its excellence, further solidifying its status as one of the top animated series of the year, if not the decade.
In addition to the Emmy nomination, the series has also received recognition from other prestigious awards organizations. The series received two nominations at the 2024 TCA (Television Critics Association) Awards for Outstanding New Program and Outstanding Achievement in Family Programming. It also received nominations at the 2024 Astra TV Awards, including Best Streaming Animated Series or TV Movie and Best Voice Over Performance nods for Jennifer Hale, Lenore Zann and Matthew Waterson.
Let’s Sum it Up
The voice cast of X-Men ‘97 — a mix of returning original actors and new talent — significantly contributes to the show’s captivating narrative that respects its history while venturing into uncharted territory. Devoted fans and newcomers alike experienced intricate character growth, captivating plots and visually arresting animation in its first season and are already excited for Season 2.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did X-Men ’97 premiere?
X-Men ‘97 premiered on March 20, 2024. The first season finale aired on May 15.
Who leads the X-Men in X-Men ’97?
In the storyline of X-Men ‘97, there is a significant shift as Magneto assumes leadership of the X-Men. This reverse alters the customary relationship dynamics within the group.
What significant event happens to Professor Charles Xavier at the end of X-Men: The Animated Series?
In the concluding episodes of X-Men: The Animated Series, there is a scene where Professor Charles Xavier barely survives an attempt on his life. The Shi’ar Empire whisks him away following this event to undergo recovery in space.
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