With the release of the highly anticipated series X-Men ’97, supervising producer and head director Jake Castorena shares some important details about the show as well as the casting process.
Indeed, many of the details from 1992’s X-Men: The Animated Series were borrowed for the sequel. Even before the producer was brought on board, the specifics were already laid down so fans can expect a lot of similarities with its predecessor.
X-Men ’97 Director On Getting Original Cast On Board
The main goal of X-Men ’97 is to make viewers feel like they are watching the next episode of The Animated Series, so that’s why from the animation style down to the voice cast, everything has to match. Jake Castorena shared in his interview via Moviefone the importance of getting the original actors back on track.
“That was one of those decisions that was just kind of already made. Once they knew they were going to make the show, it’s kind of a no-brainer. If you want to make a continuation, you must get the cast to continue.”
Of course, not all cast members will return and be available for the project, so this will be a huge undertaking for the newcomers. Castorena revealed that the original actors had no qualms about being replaced.
“Some of the voice actors are no longer with us, and they leave big shoes to fill. First and foremost, I am proud of our new cast stepping into these roles that they know are monuments to these characters that people know and love.”
Since long time has passed already, even the returning cast has also experienced significant changes in their voices. This was the challenge that Castorena and the team worked on, like giving the actors another role to play.
“It’s been 30 years, some vocal quality doesn’t keep sometimes, it’s just time. Those who still wanted to come back and play with us, we found they were given other roles to be able to come in and still play with the sound box because it is about acknowledging the work and the people that came before us.”
This part is somewhat tricky as the recasting will definitely raise many eyebrows. Meanwhile, the actors playing the same roles will definitely have to make adjustments in their voices to capture the original tone.
Why Create A Follow-Up To X-Men: The Animated Series?
In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, Castorena explained why his team wanted to helm a continuation story for X-Men: The Animated Series.
“There’s a reason why we’re bringing back the ‘90s show specifically. We’ve grown so much as a culture, as a society, but we also have so much to learn from, so much to grow. We can always be looking for those blind spots. As artists, I feel it’s imperative that we help recognize people without voice. That’s what I love about this IP.”
While X-Men ’97 will be as entertaining as ever, it will also tackle relevant socio-political matters as the original show did back in the days.
X-Men ’97 will begin streaming via Disney+ on March 20.
