Renowned X-Men writer Chris Claremont has recently weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding Marvel's iconic mutants, suggesting that it may be time for a name change. Claremont, known for his extensive work on The X-Men and the creation of numerous beloved characters, has proposed rebranding the team as The X-Group, stating that the term 'X-Men' feels outdated.
In a recent interview, Claremont revealed that he had previously attempted to make the name change permanent by referring to the team as 'the X' for a decade. However, he encountered legal obstacles due to the trademarked nature of the term 'X-Men.'
The discussion around the X-Men has intensified in light of recent changes in Marvel's upcoming animated series, X-Men '97, which some fans have labeled as 'woke.' Marvel Studios producer Victoria Alonso has also expressed support for updating the team's name, citing the presence of numerous female superheroes within the group.
Speculation has arisen regarding the X-Men's integration into the Marvel Cinematic Universe following Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Fox. Rumors suggest that a potential reboot may involve a title change to 'The Mutants' or a similar variation.
Before making their MCU debut, the X-Men will return to screens in the animated series X-Men '97, set to premiere this month. The show will revisit the beloved 1990s era of The X-Men, showcasing their struggles as they navigate a perilous new future.
The cast of X-Men '97 includes a talented lineup of voice actors portraying iconic characters such as Cyclops, Jean Grey, Rogue, Beast, Jubilee, Storm, Wolverine, Gambit, and Magneto. However, the series recently faced a setback with the unexpected dismissal of writer and producer Beau DeMayo.
X-Men '97 is scheduled to debut on March 20, 2024, with a second season already in the works.