With a rich history as well as a complex personality, Scott Summers, aka Cyclops, the X-Men’s leader, has long been an enduring favorite. However, in the live-action adaptations of the X-Men franchise, particularly in the Fox flicks, Cyclops has been frequently reduced to a supporting role, overshadowed by other characters (particularly Wolverine).
Well, X-Men ‘97 is finally here, with two episodes released just a few hours ago. Fans of the legendary mutant team can finally celebrate, as the series appears to have redeemed Cyclops’ arc and restored the character’s true power and complexity. Of course, it is high time Cyclops received the justice he so richly deserves, after years of underwhelming portrayals.
Created by writer Stan Lee, the founding member of the X-Men was previously portrayed by James Marsden in the Fox X-Men films.
Marvel’s X-Men ‘97 Brings Cyclops Back to Glory
One of the most significant issues with Fox’s portrayal of Cyclops was the character’s lack of emphasis on leadership abilities and moral compass. Note that he is portrayed in the comics as a strategic genius and skilled tactician, both of which are required to lead a team of powerful mutants.
Sadly, Cyclops was largely ignored in favor of more beloved characters like Wolverine in the Fox films, which made him seem more like an afterthought than the real leader of the team. Also, after starring as Scott Summers, a.k.a. Cyclops, in the 2000 release of the first installment of Fox’s X-Men film series, James Marsden, now 50, rose to fame.
The epic Dark Phoenix Saga, which tells the story of the awakening of a dark force within Jean Grey, was first attempted to be brought to the big screen by Fox with X-Men: The Last Stand. Jean’s awakening caused him to kill Scott Summers early in the movie, abruptly ending Marsden’s X-Men career. This move came as a complete surprise because Cyclops had been a major character in Marvel Comics stories for decades (see CBR).
Because of this, fans excitedly anticipated the X-Men’s arrival in the MCU (via X-Men ‘97), and the first two episodes of the latest series have proved that they will do their best to stay true to the Marvel Comics original material. And even fans are truly convinced that after years of mistreatment from Fox, Marvel Studios has “redeemed Cyclops image” in just two episodes.
Let’s hear some of the fans’ sayings:
Marvel Studios just redeemed Cyclops image after years of mistreatment from fox, in just two episodes pic.twitter.com/PE96WIs8WB
— That REDACTED Guy (@REDACTEDSpider) March 20, 2024
I’ve always wondered how cyclops could be the leader until I’ve seen these few clips. Straight away it’s like ahh I get it now
— Kállos (@Taylora_art) March 21, 2024
Big Cyclops fan, love this scene; it reminds me of when Cap jumped out of the plane without his parachute.
— MegaDrive (@MegaDriv3) March 21, 2024
They really did, and he’s far from my favorite, but I like what they’re doing with him.
— Jamel Herring (@JamelHerring) March 21, 2024
Cyclops image redeemed by Marvel.
— Juannitho drew (@Drew1805) March 21, 2024
Marvel fixed Cyclops image.
— luis humberto (@luishum96544451) March 21, 2024
In contrast to earlier Fox X-Men flicks, Cyclops should be a pillar of the MCU’s X-Men ‘97 and a formidable leader of the team, not in a supporting role.
Cyclops is Going to Lead The X-Men ‘97?
Marvel Studios has piqued everyone’s interest in the latest X-Men ‘97 animated series with the release of merely the first few of its episodes. Even the trailer picks up where X-Men: The Animated Series left off, with the clip depicting Charles Xavier’s death.
After Charles Xavier dies, the X-Men team up to fight Magneto, who has acquired Xavier’s last will. So, who would be the antagonist in the animated series? Creator Beau DeMayo revealed (per The Direct) that Mister Sinister will be the primary antagonist during the X-Men: 60 Uncanny Years Live Virtual Event:
“A very, very, very, very favorite character of mine and many others, Mr. Sinister, will rear his ugly head from the past with a pretty foolproof plan to destroy the X-Men once and for all.”
Looking at the early reviews (see Rotten Tomatoes), X-Men ‘97 is going to be one of the best series produced by Marvel Studios because of its impeccable animation style and exceptional voice acting. Additionally, as discussed above, it will fix a mistake that Fox continued to make in their live-action films. Cyclops is now being treated with the dignity he so richly deserves!
In the live-action movies, Cyclops was portrayed by three different actors, but none of them seemed to be as iconic as Magneto or Wolverine. The animated Cyclops seems to have a strong arc, possessing abilities straight out of comic books!
As of writing, you can stream two episodes of X-Men ‘97 on Disney+.
