X-Men: The Animated Serieswas a masterclass in adapting comic books, and theMarvel Cinematic Universewould be wise to learn from its strengths when producing itsX-Menproject.X-Men: The Animated Seriesremains one of the most beloved adaptations of Marvel’s mutant superheroes, praised for its faithful storytelling, complex characters, and compelling exploration of mutant politics. There are invaluable lessons that can be learned from the 1990s animated series, which in many ways was quintessential.
X-Men: TASboasts some great episodes, which often explore dynamic characters and narratives taken straight from the pages of Marvel Comics. The MCU is known for its ability to blend character development with epic action, and if it takes cues fromX-Men: TAS, it could create an X-Men franchise that stands out in the superhero genre.The MCU’sX-Menmovie became tantalizingly possible with Disney’s acquisition of Fox, reverting the character rights back to Marvel.
10Don’t Kill Off The Villains
Censorship Meant X-Men Could Not Kill Any Villains
X-Men: TASrarely killed off its villains, a practice largely influenced by censorship at the time. However, thisinadvertently resulted in a key strength of the show: the ability to bring villains back in multiple episodes, allowing for long-term development and a deeper connection between them and the X-Men. Apocalypse, the Sentinels, Mister Sinister, and many more, appeared regularly, with motivations and philosophies explored over time.
In contrast, many of theX-Menfilms quickly dispatched villains, losing the opportunity for rich, recurring narratives. Magneto was the main exception to this, whoproved that a compelling villain could develop over several movies. The MCU’sX-Menshould avoid this pitfall and keep major villains around for multiple appearances. This would allow for more nuanced character arcs and deeper exploration of the ideological battles that define theX-Menuniverse.
The Best Episode Of X-Men: The Animated Series To Watch For Each Major X-Men Villain
X-Men: The Animated Series boasts several iconic X-Men foes, but each one is best depicted in a specific episode that makes them truly compelling.
9Don’t Deviate Too Far From The Source Material
X-Men: TAS Was Very Faithful To The Comics
One of the strongest aspects ofX-Men: The Animated Serieswas itsfaithfulness to the source material. The show adapted iconic comic book arcs like “The Dark Phoenix Saga” and “Days of Future Past” with respect for the original stories, even if it had to condense or modify them for television. TheX-Menmovies, however, often strayed far from the comics, and with mixed results.
While some creative liberties are necessary for adaptation, many key characters and storylines were heavily altered in theX-Menmovies, which alienated some fans. Instead, the MCU’s X-Men should follow the animated series’ example and stick closer to the source material,balancing faithful adaptations with the necessary tweaks for modern storytelling.X-Men: The Animated Seriesbalanced this perfectly, often by recasting central characters from the comics with the central X-Men team.
8Wolverine Isn’t The Only Star
X-Men: TAS Explored Many Characters
Wolverine quickly became the face of theX-Menin the movies, to the point where other characters were frequently sidelined. While Hugh Jackman’s portrayal was certainly iconic, Wolverine’s overexposure meant thatother important characters were often underdeveloped. This problem was compounded when Wolverine took center stage in stories that originally belonged to other characters, such as Kitty Pryde’s role in “Days of Future Past.”
InX-Men: TAS, while Wolverine was a central character, the show did an excellent job of giving each X-Man their moment in the spotlight. Episodes would often focus on individual characters, allowing for deeper exploration of their backstories, personalities, and internal struggles. The MCU should embrace this ensemble approach,giving each team member their duerather than making Wolverine the sole focus. This could also solve the issue of recasting Wolverine, if the MCU were to introduce him later on or as part of a wider ensemble.
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Since X-Men: TAS concluded in 1997, several major developments have become synonymous with the X-Men, creating some unexpected inconsistencies.
7Have A Full X-Men Team
TheX-Menfilms often featured a smaller team of characters, usually consisting of four to six members. While this allowed for a more focused narrative, it limited the dynamic interplay that can happen within a larger team.X-Men: TASfeatureda more robust lineup of characters, allowing the show to explore various team dynamics, relationships, and conflicts. The rotating focus on different team members ensured that every character had their time to shine, whether it was a spotlight episode or participation in a broader storyline.
The MCU’sX-Menshould embrace a larger team, to provide a more comic-accurate portrayal and widen the potential for rich dynamics. With a larger roster, the films canhighlight the uniqueness of each X-Man, their powers, and their individual contributions to the group. This also allows the filmmakers to switch focus between different characters across multiple films, keeping the franchise fresh and engaging.
6Individual (And Faithful) Costumes Are A Must
X-Men: TAS Adapted Costumes From The Comics
One of the biggest complaints about theX-Menmovies was the lack of individuality in the characters' costumes. Instead of the colorful, comic-accurate designs, the original trilogy opted for generic black leather suits. Meanwhile, the prequels adapted a classic yellow and blue design but lacked any individuality. In contrast,X-Men: TASembraced the vibrant, iconic costumes from the comics, giving each character a distinct look that matched their abilities and personas.
Wolverine’s yellow and blue suit, Storm’s regal white outfit, and Cyclops’ tactical blue uniform all added to the visual identity of the show. Giving each character their individualized costume allows for better character distinction. The comic book costumes aredesigned to convey a lot about a character, and are frequently tailored to suit them in some special way. The triumph of Wolverine’s comic-accurate costume inDeadpool & Wolverineis evidence enough.
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X-Men: The Animated Series might be one of the greatest Marvel cartoons ever but there are still several things that never quite made sense.
5Don’t Make It Overly Child-Friendly
X-Men: TAS Was Subject To Intense Censorship
WhileX-Men: TASis fondly remembered, one of itsfew weaknesses was the heavy censorshipthat prevented the show from fully embracing the darker elements of theX-Menuniverse. To comply with broadcast standards, the show often avoided depicting intense violence or emotional trauma. Many fights involved robots instead of human foes, and certain themes were toned down for younger audiences.
The MCU should not shy away from the darker, more mature aspects of the X-Men’s storylines. The discrimination mutants face, the internal struggles with identity, and the existential threats they encountershould all be depicted with the necessary intensity. A more mature tone, as seen in films likeCaptain America: The Winter SoldierandBlack Panther, can provide the depth that theX-Menfranchise needs. The MCU’sX-Menshould feature a similar tone.
4Stories Can Be Episodic And Not Self-Contained
X-Men: TAS Frequently Features Two-Part Episodes And Sagas
One of the advantages ofX-Men: TASwas its ability to tell longer-form stories across multiple episodes. Arcs like “The Phoenix Saga” and “The Dark Phoenix Saga” spanned several episodes,allowing for a more detailed exploration of the plot and characters. This serialized storytelling gave the narratives room to breathe and let emotional moments land with greater impact.
The MCU has excelled at serialized storytelling, with interconnected films and overarching narratives.X-Menshould employ a comparable approach, telling longer, more intricate stories that span multiple movies. Instead of rushing through iconic arcs like “The Dark Phoenix Saga,” the MCU cantake its time to develop the characters and storylines, making each narrative payoff more satisfying. This approach would also allow for deeper world-building, with each film contributing to the larger mutant narrative.
3Mutant Politics Is The Most Compelling Aspect
The X-Men Fight To Save A World That Hates And Fears Them
One of the most compelling aspects of theX-Menfranchise is its focus on mutant discrimination and the political struggles that come with it. InX-Men: TAS, the theme of mutants being feared and hated by societywas a constant backdrop, influencing the characters’ actions and the overall plot. The X-Men were not just superheroes; they were activists fighting for their right to exist in a world that despised them.
This allegory for real-world discrimination resonated deeply with audiences and made the X-Men stand out from other superhero teams. While the originalX-Mentrilogy tackled these themes, later filmsdownplayed the political aspects of the mutant struggle. The MCU should refocus on this essential element, as it is integral to what makes the X-Men unique. The X-Men’s mantra, after all, is to protect those who hate and fear them.
2It Doesn’t Need To Look Realistic
X-Men: TAS Was Often Psychedelic
The originalX-Menmovies aimed for a relatively grounded and realistic aesthetic, which often meant toning down the more fantastical elements of the comics. However,X-Men: TASembraced the more psychedelic, colorful, and surreal aspects of the source material. The animated series featuredbold visuals, wacky costumes, and trippy psychic sequencesthat captured the essence of the X-Men’s world without worrying about realism.
With the MCU already leaning into more comic-accurate and fantastical designs in films likeDoctor StrangeandThor: Ragnarök, theX-Mencould be similarly fantastical. There’sno need to make the mutant world look “realistic”when the strength of the X-Men lies in their vibrant, outlandish universe. Whether it’s the vivid landscapes of the Savage Land or the psychedelic chaos of the Astral Plane, theX-Menfilms should embrace the surreal.
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Each X-Men: TAS season featured an episode that captured the unique blend of action and social commentary, and also an episode that didn’t.
1Diversify The Roster
X-Men Is Supposed To Be About Discrimination
One area whereX-Men: TASfell short was in its diversity. While it did feature characters from different parts of the world, the core team was still predominantly white. TheX-Menmovies similarly focused on mostly straight, white characters,missing the opportunity to explore themes of discriminationand diversity in a more direct way. However, with the MCU’s track record of inclusivity, the X-Men are primed for a more diverse roster.
TheX-Menuniverse is home to a wealth of characters from different ethnicities, nationalities, and sexual orientations. Characters like Bishop, Sunfire, and Northstar are integral to the X-Men mythos andoffer the MCU a chance to highlight underrepresented groups. By diversifying the roster, the MCU can create a more inclusive and representative version of theX-Men, making their stories of prejudice and acceptance even more powerful and relevant to modern audiences.
X-Men: The Animated Series
Cast
X-Men: The Animated Series is a television show based on the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name. The series, which aired from 1992 to 1997, follows the adventures of a team of mutant superheroes, led by Professor Charles Xavier, as they fight for peaceful coexistence between humans and mutants in a world filled with prejudice and fear.
