'X-Men '97': Disney+'s much-anticipated animated series features new and returning voice actors
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The highly anticipated sequel 'X-Men '97' following the beloved 'X-Men: The Animated Series', hits Disney+ on March 20.
To enhance authenticity and continuity, the series will feature returning voice actors reprising their roles from the original show. However, not every actor reprises their original roles; some make special appearances as supporting characters.
The absence of two veterans will also be felt, sadly, due to their death.
Are you curious about the return of your favorite 'X-Men: The Animated Series' stars in the upcoming Disney+ sequel 'X-Men '97'? This extended list of major voice actors and the wider cast will provide the answers you seek.
Cal Dodd returns as Wolverine/James 'Logan' Howlett
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Before Hugh Jackman embodied Wolverine in live-action films, Cal Dodd shaped the adamantium-clawed mutant's persona on TV.
The Irish-Canadian voice actor also reprised the role in video games like 'X-Men vs. Street Fighter', 'X-Men: Children of the Atom', and 'Marvel vs Capcom' is recognized for his signature growl, which is a key element of Wolverine's voice.
With Logan's return in the blue-and-yellow costume in the 'X-Men '97' trailer, Marvel fulfills fan expectations, bringing back Dodd’s character-defining baritone for nostalgic impact.
Ray Chase replaces Norm Spencer as Cyclops/Scott Summers
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Ray Chase takes on the mantle of Cyclops, succeeding the late Norm Spencer who died at the age of 62 in 2020.
Known for his role as Noctis Lucis Caelum in Final Fantasy XV, Chase steps into the emotionally conflicted character's shoes, grappling with leadership and personal challenges.
In 'X-Men '97,' Cyclops navigates the aftermath of Charles Xavier's death, showcasing Chase's ability to infuse depth into this iconic role.
Though Spencer's legacy is honored, Chase brings a new dimension to the charismatic leader, energizing the character for fans of the beloved '90s animated series.
Jennifer Hale replaces Catherine Disher as Jean Grey
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Catherine Disher's portrayal of telekinetic Jean Grey in the '90s animated series became iconic, especially in story arcs like the Dark Phoenix saga.
In 'X-Men '97', Jennifer Hale takes on the role, known for her Marvel animated credits, including Felicia Hardy (Black Cat) in 'Spider-Man: The Animated Series'.
Hale's prolific voice-acting career spans video games, featuring Commander Shepherd in 'Mass Effect' and Jedi Master Bastila Shan in 'Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic'.
With her extensive experience, Hale brings fresh energy to Jean Grey, promising a captivating performance in the revival of this cherished character.
Alison Sealy-Smith returns as Storm/Ororo Munroe
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Alison Sealy-Smith initially lent her voice to Storm, the weather-manipulating mutant, in over fifty episodes of 'X-Men: The Animated Series'.
In the upcoming 'X-Men '97', Sealy-Smith returns to revive her commanding portrayal of this classic X-Men character.
Not widely known is the fact that Iona Morris originally voiced Storm in the first season. As an American actress, Morris was entitled to get paid for reruns.
After recording 16 episodes, Sealy-Smith re-recorded Storm's lines, eventually replacing Morris in the series, a tidbit known mainly to diehard fans of the show.
Lenore Zann returns as Rogue/Anna-Marie Raven
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Lenore Zann, known for her role as Rogue, a crucial member of the animated series, returns to voice the power-absorbing mutant in 'X-Men '97'. Zann's performance as Rogue has been notable in both adrenaline-fueled team efforts and introspective solo missions.
Beyond her animation career, Zann delved into politics, serving as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Canada’s Cumberland-Colchester district from 2019 to 2021. Before that, she represented the Truro Bible-Hill district as an Assembly member for a decade from 2009 to 2019.
Now, Zann resumes her role in the highly anticipated 'X-Men '97'.
George Buza returns as Beast/Henry McCoy
George Buza, a perfect fit for the intellectually gifted Beast, reprises his role as Dr. Henry McCoy in 'X-Men '97'.
Buza, known for bringing out Beast’s wisdom, friendliness, and occasional grief, also contributed his voice to X-Men video games.
While reprising his animated series role in 'X-Men: Mutant Academy 2', he showcased versatility by voicing Colossus in 'X-Men: Children of the Atom' and 'Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes'.
Buza even had a brief cameo in the 2000 'X-Men' movie as a truck driver. Now, fans can enjoy more of Buza's iconic portrayal in the highly anticipated 'X-Men '97'.
AJ LoCascio replaces Tony Daniels as Gambit
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Although the long-awaited Gambit movie starring Channing Tatum remains uncertain, fans can rejoice as the charming card player returns in animated form in 'X-Men '97'.
Initially voiced by Chris Potter in 'X-Men: The Animated Series', who crafted Gambit’s distinctive Cajun accent, Gambit's character later saw Tony Daniels taking over in the final episodes.
Now, in 'X-Men '97', A.J. LoCascio steps into the role, known for his work as time-traveler Marty McFly in 'Back To The Future: The Game' and the antagonist Prince Lotor in 'Voltron: Legendary Defender'.
Christopher Britton returns as Mister Sinister
Mister Sinister, the enduring foe of the 'X-Men from the animated series', makes a powerful return in 'X-Men '97'.
Christopher Britton, the Canadian actor, reprises his role as the scientific rogue, playing a significant part in the storyline following Charles Xavier’s death.
Known for his diverse career in theater, movies, and TV, Britton also played a crucial role in the English dub of 'Death Note' as Detective Soichiro Yagami. Additionally, he made a guest appearance in the Netflix Death Note adaptation.
Matthew Waterson replaces David Hemblen as Magneto
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In 'X-Men: The Animated Series', the late David Hemblen portrayed Magneto, the arch-nemesis and occasional ally of Charles Xavier. In 'X-Men '97', Magneto once again confronts the X-Men as he inherits Xavier’s assets.
Honoring Hemblen's legacy, who died at the age of 79 in 2020, Matthew Waterson steps into the role.
Waterson is known for his work as Charles Rockwood in 'Hogwarts: Legacy' and as Dragan in 'Castlevania'. He has also contributed additional voices to video games such as 'The Last of Us II', 'Fallout 4', and 'Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End'.
Holly Chou replaces Alyson Court as Jubilee/Jubilation Lee
In 'X-Men: The Animated Series', Alyson Court brought Jubilation Lee aka Jubilee to life, portraying the pyrotechnic mutant in a coming-of-age narrative.
However, in 'X-Men '97', Holly Chou takes on the role. Court, expressing her belief that young and talented Asian actors could do justice to the character, stepped back from the role in 2021.
Chou, known for her appearances in 'The Big Sick' as a doctor and 'Blue Eye Samurai' as the character Chiki, now carries the torch for Jubilee in the upcoming series.
How to stream 'X-Men '97'?
'X-Men '97' will be exclusively available on Disney+ from Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
The streaming service offers a basic package starting at $7.99 per month, featuring advertisements.
For an ad-free experience, viewers can opt for the premium plan priced at $13.99 per month or $139.99 per year.
'X-Men '97' trailer
'X-Men '97' is all set to release exclusively on Disney+ on Wednesday, March 20