Inside ‘X-Men ’97’: EP Brad Winderbaum Talks Shocking Deaths, Marvel Cameos, and Bringing ‘Human Desire’ to the Show
SPOILER WARNING: This article discusses major plot developments across the entire first season of “X-Men ’97,” currently streaming on Disney+.
To say Marvel fans have enjoyed the first season of “X-Men ’97” — a continuation of the beloved 1990s animated series, credited for laying the foundation for superhero cinema’s rise in the 2000s and 2010s — is like saying Wolverine has a bit of an anger issue. The show has captivated viewers with its bold narrative choices, most notably in Episode 5, “Remember It,” where an army of robot Sentinels slaughters thousands of mutants in Genosha. This shocking development evokes real-world tragedies such as 9/11, the Pulse nightclub shooting, and the attacks in Israel on Oct. 7, alongside the ongoing siege of Gaza. Although showrunner Beau DeMayo was fired before the Season 1 premiere, he later posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Pulse inspired the episode.
This episode ends with the beloved mutant Gambit’s death, propelling the series into its second half. The X-Men must now prevent their extinction and stop Magneto from declaring war on humanity in retaliation for Genosha. By the season finale, the X-Men save the world, setting up a key storyline for Season 2 involving the all-powerful mutant Apocalypse.
Variety spoke with executive producer Brad Winderbaum, who also oversees all of Marvel Animation, about the show’s daring creative decisions, what fans can expect in Season 2, and the exploration of human desire among the X-Men.
When did you realize the show was resonating with fans?
When we dropped the first trailer. People knew about it, but we crafted that piece of marketing to transport us back to the ’90s. The reaction was a huge sigh of relief, confirming that fans saw the same vision we intended.
Were you anxious about any aspect of the show and its reception?
Yes, Gambit’s death kept us all up at night. Once we decided on it, we knew it would be devastating. We felt a huge responsibility to make it impactful through the writing, directing, and the four-episode build-up. Every screening of that episode brought me to tears, so we were anxious about its reception.
The massacre of Genosha was intense and bracing. Was that part of why you wanted to do it?
Absolutely. Beau and I discussed the loss of innocence from 9/11 extensively. I was in New York on 9/11, on the street. Our idea with [supervising director] Jake [Castorena] was to stay at ground level during the attack, which was new. The briefness of the attack in the comics added to the tragedy. We aimed to capture that instant shift and ground-level perspective, making it feel visceral and devastating.
What does animation offer that would be harder to achieve in live action?
Animation allows for deeper investment in long-term relationships and story arcs. In “X-Men ’97,” when tragedy strikes, the emotional impact is greater because of the time and relationship investment. Gambit’s sacrifice, for instance, not only affects his character but also his relationships, creating a ripple effect through the other characters.
The X-Men have sex, a topic Marvel Studios has not explored much. Was that deliberate?
Yes, emulating the original cartoon and honoring the source material meant acknowledging human desire. The “X-Men” comics are filled with romance, complications, and awakenings, leading to conflict and tragedy. Even if implied, human desire and passion are very present in “X-Men.”
Magneto’s line in Episode 5 about leaders being terrorists resonated with viewers. How did you feel about it?
It confirmed we were making the right show at the right time. It also highlights a meta-tragedy — despite 60 years of history since the original comic, human issues remain unchanged. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Should fans expect more Marvel superheroes in Season 2?
Definitely. Honoring the original series, which included cameos from other Marvel characters, we aim to recreate that excitement. The X-Men exist in a ’90s version of the Marvel Universe, alongside the Avengers and Spider-Man.
How far along are you with Season 2, and when can we expect it?
Release dates are TBD. We’re in the animatic phase, with significant storytelling work still ahead before animation. But it’s progressing well, and we hope to meet audience expectations.
Will Season 2 continue the storyline introduced with Apocalypse?
Yes, based on the finale’s teaser, that story will continue. Beyond that, I can’t share without going into spoiler territory.
Will the show remain “X-Men ’97” or change to “X-Men ’98”?
It will remain “X-Men ’97.”
What lessons from making “X-Men ’97” might influence Marvel’s live-action mutants?
Everything we create at the studio informs other projects. We work collaboratively, sharing materials and insights. “X-Men ’97” influences not just plans for the X-Men but also our studio’s overall direction. We’re always learning and striving to create content that resonates with audiences.
Source: Variety
