Summary:
- Marvel’s latest animated series, “X-Men 97,” is met with positive reviews from fans and critics worldwide.
- The latest Episode 5 features a surprise appearance of The Watcher, the one who overlooks the Multiverse in the MCU’s “What If…?” anthology series.
- The cameo of The Watcher in “X-Men 97” could hint at a link between the MCU and the X-Men animated franchise, especially the upcoming “Deadpool & Wolverine.”
Disney+‘s revival of the beloved ’90s animated series “X-Men” has not only captured the hearts of nostalgic fans but is also set to rejuvenate the entire Marvel animated universe. Now at the midpoint of its debut season, “X-Men ’97” continues to impress with flying colors, with the latest episode introducing a surprise cameo that could have significant implications for the future of the Multiverse Saga.
Episode 5 of “X-Men ’97,” titled “Remember It,” features an intriguing silhouette in the sky of The Watcher, witnessing the Sentinels launch an attack on Genosha.
As we all know, The Watcher, voiced by Jeffrey Wright, plays a central role in the MCU‘s animated series, “What If…?” and “What If…? Season 2.”The Watcher, aka Uatu, is the one that overlooks the entire Multiverse in the MCU, a role quite similar to Loki at the end of Loki Season 2.
This surprising cameo has sparked speculation about a possible crossover between the “X-Men ’97” universe and the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The connection was subtly confirmed when Beau DeMayo, the head writer for “X-Men ’97,” liked a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) discussing The Watcher’s appearance in the episode.
It’s also interesting to note that Uatu The Watcher previously appeared in the original “X-Men” animated series during the “The Dark Phoenix, Part III: The Dark Phoenix” episode, although the design in “X-Men ’97” slightly differs. This suggests the possibility of different Watchers in the MCU.
Under the MCU umbrella, The Watcher traditionally observes the Multiverse from the Nexus of All Realities. This opens the door for various MCU characters, such as Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, Benedict Cumberbatch‘s Doctor Strange, or Chris Hemsworth’s Thor, to potentially cross paths with the animated X-Men.
Moreover, the latest episode of “X-Men ’97” teases a potential link to the upcoming MCU film, “Deadpool & Wolverine,” slated for release in July 2024.
The villain of the upcoming film, portrayed by Emma Corrin, is Cassandra Nova, a character deeply intertwined with Charles Xavier of the X-Men in the comics. Her significant role in the comics involves the tragic Genosha Massacre, which coincides with the events depicted in Episode 5 of “X-Men ’97.”
This connection raises exciting prospects for an unprecedented crossover, particularly since “Deadpool & Wolverine” will feature Deadpool venturing into the TVA and hopping on a multiversal journey to rescue Hugh Jackman‘s Wolverine.
X-Men ’97 is now streaming on Disney+ alongside every other MCU title.
