X-Men ‘97 continues the story of the titular mutant superhero group from the 90s’ X-Men: The Animated Series. The series debuted to overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics and fans alike, due to its handling of the source material and focus on character-driven storytelling.
Given the show’s portrayal of the X-Men, there has been a clamor for the mutants to receive a similar treatment when they finally make their MCU debut. Moreover, directors of X-Men ‘97 have shared their willingness to helm a live-action X-Men project for the MCU. Here is why the X-Men ‘97 directors could work wonders for the MCU reboot and Kevin Feige mustn’t wait time to sign them up.
X-Men ‘97 Directors Willing to Helm Live-Action X-Men Reboot For MCU
Ever since Disney acquired 21st Century Fox, fans have been waiting for the characters from the studio’s X-Men films to be integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While an X-Men project still seems far away, X-Men ‘97 has given fans a taste of their favorite mutant storylines that made the comics such a hit.
Chase Conley and Emi Yonemura directed several episodes of the first season of X-Men ‘97, which recently blew away fans with a gut-wrenching and emotional fifth episode. During an interview with ScreenRant, the duo was asked whether they would be interested in bringing the mutants to live-action. In response, Conley stated:
“If that’s a call that we get, at some point, I’m gonna pick the phone up, for sure.”
Similarly, Yonemura was also on board with the idea and seemed excited at the prospect of helming a live-action X-Men project for the MCU. Yonemura said:
“I would never say no to that phone call because I love a good challenge, and I love trying new things.”
As a result, both Conley and Yonemura are open to the idea of directing an X-Men reboot that would incorporate the mutants into the MCU properly. The MCU has started introducing mutants with Kamala Khan being revealed as one while Kelsey Grammer and Patrick Stewart reprised their role as Charles Xavier / Professor X and Dr. Hank McCoy / Beast in recent MCU projects.
Why Kevin Feige Should Snap Up X-Men ‘97 Directors For MCU Reboot
Aside from the aforementioned allusions to the mutants, Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds are also set to reprise their roles from the Fox films in the upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine. As a result, it seems Marvel Studios is inevitably building up to an X-Men reboot that will finally bring the mutants home.
Given the success and fanfare surrounding X-Men ‘97, Kevin Feige should not waste any more time to announce a proper MCU reboot of the franchise. Moreover, Feige must sign Conley and Yonemura to helm the reboot after their phenomenal work on the animated series. For an MCU reboot of X-Men to succeed, it needs to be packed with stellar character moments that will bond fans with the mutants.
Conley and Yonemura’s work proves they can handle several characters and their internal conflicts along with an overarching narrative. Episodes 2 through 5 of X-Men ‘97 are the perfect example of the same that also do not compromise on the action spectacle an MCU reboot of the franchise deserves. Therefore, a reboot would truly be safe in the hands of Conley and Yonemura and Feige must consider them for the gig.
X-Men ‘97 is streaming on Disney+.
