X-Men ’97 is all set to hit Disney Plus. Fans are wondering if they need to see the original X-Men: The Animated Series cartoon to understand the new show and if there is a link between them. Here is all you need to know.
Do I need to watch the old animated series before X-Men ’97?
Yes. You need to watch the old X-Men: The Animated Series before X-Men ’97.
It is highly recommended that you watch X-Men: The Animated Series before streaming X-Men ’97 on Disney Plus. This is because the new series is a revival and direct continuation of it.
The events of X-Men ’97 pick up right where the original show ends. They focus on the X-Men battling new threats after Professor X bids farewell to the X-Men. The professor went on a cosmic journey to seek medical care from Lilandra and the Sh’iar Empire, but appears to have since died based on ’97’s trailer.
If you are not keen on watching the entire show, here are some key episodes from X-Men: The Animated Series you can view to understand the story of X-Men ’97 as per Screen Rant:
- Night of the Sentinels, Part 1 & 2 – The premiere episodes.
- Days of Future Past, Part 1 & 2 – Important as it introduces Bishop, who will be a permanent X-Men member in X-Men ’97.
- The Final Decision
- Till Death Do Us Part – Introduces Mister Sinister, who will have a prominent role in X-Men ’97.
- Whatever It Takes
- The Phoenix Saga, Part V: Child of Light
- The Dark Phoenix Part V: The Fate of the Phoenix
- Weapon X, Lies, and Video Tape
- Beyond Good and Evil
- Graduation Day
Also, check out the episodes “Enter Magneto,” “Nightcrawler,” and “Descent,” as recommended by Nerdist. The first two episodes introduce Magneto and Nightcrawler, who will be important in the new series, and the latter episode expands upon Mister Sinister’s character.
Is X-Men ’97 linked to the Animated Series?
Yes, X-Men ’97 is directly linked to X-Men: The Animated Series.
The new series is a direct continuation of X-Men: The Animated Series and picks up immediately after the original series’ end. The official synopsis reads:
“Storm and Wolverine try to continue the X-Men. Magneto comes in and wants to step up for Charles Xavier. Sinister comes in to try to end the X-Men once and for all.”
For more entertainment, check out our Imaginary review.
