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'X-Men '97': Uncertainty over Professor Charles Xavier's death sparks speculation about his return

In 'X-Men: The Animated Series' Finale Episode, Professor Charles Xavier faces a dangerous threat at the Human/Mutant Relations Summit

Contains spoilers for 'X-Men '97'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'X-Men '97' has impressed fans and critics with its initial episodes, released on Disney+ on Wednesday, March 20, setting the bar high right from the start.

The story takes place right after the events of 'X-Men: The Animated Series' where the X-Men learn to survive in a world without their leader, mentor, and guide Professor X aka Professor Charles Xavier.

While 'X-Men '97' acknowledges Professor X's death, it leaves his death unexplained, leaving viewers wondering if he will return or not. So, we're here to provide you with timely and accurate news.

What happened to Professor X in 'X-Men: The Animated Series'?

In the final episode, 'Graduation Day', of 'X-Men: The Animated Series', Professor X faces a dangerous threat at the Human/Mutant Relations Summit.

Attacked by Henry Gyrich, a former NSA agent and mutant adversary, Professor X is severely injured by an energy disruptor, leaving him comatose. Despite his condition, he convinces his old friend Magneto to end his mutant rebellion.

With Magneto's help, Professor X reaches out telepathically to Lilandra, his partner and empress of the Shi'ar Empire. Lilandra offers to save Professor X's life by curing him on her homeworld, but it means he must leave Earth. The series ends with the X-Men bidding farewell to their leader, unsure of his future.

However, the mention of Professor X leaving Earth has never been brought up in 'X-Men '97' which begs us to believe that he is indeed dead. 

Will Professor X return in 'X-Men '97'?

'X-Men '97' picks up where the original series ended, continuing the X-Men's story. The premiere episodes hint at Professor X's death, referencing his assassination by Henry Gyrich.

Cyclops explicitly blames Gyrich for killing Professor X, and Magneto inheriting Xavier's assets suggests a fitting finality to his fate.

However, we don't know if that's the end of Professor X.

In March, former showrunner Beau DeMayo said during an 'X-Men' event that 'X-Men '97' would be "picking up about several months after Professor X left Earth after being shot by Henry Gyrich and had to return to the Shiar homeworld to be with Lilandra," as per The Direct. 

While this aligns with the original series, it leaves room for speculation about Professor X's potential return, with the slight possibility of Lilandra saving him.

According to the cast member list, Ross Marquand voices Professor X in 'X-Men '97'. However, it's unclear if Marquand's role will be limited to flashbacks or whether Professor X will make a surprise return.

The uncertainty about Professor X's status has sparked quite a few speculations among fans eager to learn the truth about his fate.

For now, it appears that Professor X is believed to be dead in the 'X-Men '97' universe, based on references in the first two episodes.

Episode 3 is set to premiere on Wednesday, March 27, with the previously aired episodes now streaming on Disney+.

'X-Men '97' Episodes 1 and 2 are currently streaming on Disney+