At Voice123 – the largest, most trusted voice over marketplace – we’ve seen firsthand how powerful the right voice can be. And nothing proves it more than the X-Men ’97 cast. This Disney+ revival of the beloved ’90s series continues the saga of Marvel’s mutants with a mix of nostalgia and bold new storytelling.
But the real magic is the X-Men ’97 cast. With returning legends and fresh voices, this revival shows how voice actors shape character identity, emotion, and fan connection. Let’s dive into the cast of X-Men ’97, the characters they bring to life, and why this series is inspiring for AV creators everywhere.
What is X-Men ’97?
X-Men ’97 is an animated TV series that is a continuation of the iconic X-Men: The Animated Series that aired from 1992 to 1997 on Fox’s Kids Network. X-Men: The Animated Series broke ground with mature themes, serialized storytelling, and one of the most iconic opening themes in TV history.
Now, X-Men ’97 continues that story almost 30 years later. Instead of a reboot, it’s a true continuation. Professor X is recovering off-world, and in his absence, the mutants must forge new alliances—while facing political, personal, and existential threats.
The revival earned a 99% Rotten Tomatoes score, 4 million premiere-week views, and even a 2024 Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Animated Program. The creators modernized the animation while keeping the classic style intact, creating a blend of old and new that resonates across generations.
The cast of X-Men ’97
The X-Men ’97 voice cast is both a tribute and a reinvention. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige told the producers that to green light X-men ’97, the original theme song and voice cast had to be used. But new talent was also brought in to continue legacies and add fresh layers.
Here are the main cast of X-Men ’97:
- Alison Sealy-Smith as Ororo Munroe, Storm: Commanding, powerful, and regal. Her voice makes Storm feel like royalty, blending empathy with authority.
- Cal Dodd as Logan, Wolverine: His gravelly voice is still the definitive sound of Wolverine in X-Men ’97. It’s raw, gritty, and emotional, making Logan as fierce as ever.
- Lenore Zann as Rogue: With her signature Southern drawl, Zann embodies Rogue’s sass and vulnerability. Her voice is one of the franchise’s most recognizable.
- George Buza as Henry “Hank” McCoy, Beast: Buza’s rich, intellectual tone conveys Hank’s duality as a brilliant scientist and brawny mutant. His delivery balances humor with gravitas.
- A. J. LoCascio voices Remy LeBeau, Gambit, a mutant who charges objects with explosive kinetic energy.
- Holly Chou voices Jubilation Lee, Jubilee, who is the youngest team member capable of creating firework-like explosions.
- Matthew Waterson voices Erik Lehnsherr, Magneto, the new leader of the X-Men.
- Adrian Hough as Kurt Wagner, Nightcrawler: Gentle, contemplative, and soulful. His performance grounds Kurt as the team’s moral compass.
- Chris Britton as Mister Sinister: His menacing, chilling voice remains one of the most iconic villain portrayals in animation.
- Chris Potter as Cable: Formerly the original voice actor for Gambit, Potter now voices Cable, showing his versatility and giving the future warrior a commanding presence.
Who are the new additions to the X-Men ’97 cast?
- Ray Chase as Scott Summers, Cyclops: Chase honors the late Norm Spencer with a steady, commanding voice that reflects Scott’s burden as team leader.
- Jennifer Hale as Jean Grey: Known as one of the greatest video game voice actors, Hale brings nuance and depth to Jean, capturing both her compassion and inner turmoil.
- Holly Chou as Jubilee (Jubilation Lee): Chou’s voice is youthful, energetic, and evolving, reflecting her growth from sidekick to a capable mutant.
- Matthew Waterson as Magneto (Erik Lehnsherr): Waterson’s deep, resonant delivery gives Magneto complexity as he steps into the role of X-Men leader.
- Ross Marquand as Professor X: Though absent for much of the storyline, Marquand’s wise, authoritative performance anchors Charles Xavier’s legacy.
- Isaac Robinson-Smith voices Lucas Bishop, a mutant from the future who joined the X-Men during the time skip.
- J. P. Karliak voices Morph and replaces Ron Rubin’s original voice, a shapeshifting mutant who was saved from death by Mister Sinister and brainwashed.
- Theo James as Bastion: Introduced as a chilling villain, James adds suave menace to this new threat against mutants.
What makes the voice cast of X-Men ’97 a fan-favorite
Fans immediately praised the X-Men ’97 cast for striking a balance between nostalgia and innovation. Hearing familiar voices like Cal Dodd’s Wolverine or Lenore Zann’s Rogue brought back memories. The new additions to the X-Men ’97 cast also won over audiences. Ray Chase’s Cyclops and Jennifer Hale’s Jean Grey in particular were celebrated for adding emotional weight to the characters.
The cast of X-Men ’97 had to audition for their roles so the producers could cast authentic voices that stayed true to each X-Men ’97 character. As a result, X-Men ’97 is considered Marvel’s best release in years. The success went beyond fandom—critics recognized it too. X-Men ’97 earned both an Emmy nomination and won at the Critics’ Choice Awards, proving that animation with the right storytelling and voice cast can rival live-action prestige TV.
How X-Men ’97 can inspire your next video project
The series demonstrates that animation isn’t just for kids. It’s a global entertainment tool that can unfold complex narratives for audiences. The season premiere had 4 million views in the first five days, making it Disney’s most-watched animated series premiere. Here are 4 things that the series does amazingly well that you can apply to your projects.
1. Complex character development: The show explores each character’s complicated personalities and backgrounds, making them relatable and multi-dimensional. So, take time to create heroic characters, understand their motivations, and outline their growth throughout the story.
2. Intricate plot lines: The series masterfully intertwines complex narratives, keeping audiences engaged and on the edge of their seats. Prioritize storyboarding to ensure that multiple storylines complement each other and converge to a satisfying conclusion for audiences.
3. Bold themes: the series explores thought-provoking themes, ranging from discrimination to personal identity. For your projects to stand out, challenge your audience by highlighting innovative topics and conflicts in your storytelling.
4. Stunning visuals and animation: The series showcases impressive visuals and vibrant animation that enhance the narrative. Leverage cutting-edge technology and animation, even in live-action projects, to bring your visions to life and create visually captivating experiences.
Final thoughts
X-Men ’97 is more than just a TV show revival – it’s a reminder that animation is a powerful medium that transcends age barriers. The dedication of the voice cast of X-Men ’97 and the impactful narratives leave lasting impressions on global audiences, inspiring a new generation of filmmakers and storytellers.
So, once you’ve finalized your project’s concept, work with the skilled voice actors on Voice123 to breathe life into it. Post your next project today and join the next generation of storytellers!
FAQs
Chris Potter, who originally voiced Gambit, returned to the series but now voices a new character, Cable. A.J. LoCascio voices Gambit. The decision to change the voice actor was made because Gambit’s character was killed in episode 3.
Mostly yes, original voices like Cal Dodd (Wolverine), Lenore Zann (Rogue), and George Buza (Beast) returned, while new actors joined to continue roles or take on new ones.
While teen-friendly, the themes of identity, leadership, and discrimination make it resonate strongly with adult fans who watched the original TV show in ’97.
It’s a continuation, picking up directly after X-Men: The Animated Series ended in 1997.
