Showcasing Gambit and Rogue’s relationship was a risky thing for Marvel’s X-Men ’97.
*Major Spoilers For X-Men ’97*
Marvel Studios managed to retain millions of audiences with the recent release of the MCU animated show X-Men ’97. Bringing in several iconic characters like Professor Xavier, Wolverine, and Rogue into the fold, the animated series is indeed quite exceptional.
With an intriguing storyline to its name, the show took a dive into the relationship between mutants Rogue and Gambit. As we all know how the story ended, a Marvel executive was also concerned about whether to develop the relationship or not.
Marvel Exec Was Afraid To Develop A Relation In X-Men ’97
Rogue and Gambit are two characters appearing in Marvel Comics and the two have developed a relation in the comics. With Rogue and Gambit being powerful mutants who have been associated with the X-Men, fans loved seeing the characters in X-Men ’97.
X-Men ’97 executive president Brad Winderbaum talked about how it is sometimes difficult for shows to develop certain relations. Not knowing whether the people would appreciate these moments, Winderbaum revealed that there are certain possibilities of failure.
In an interview with Variety, Brad Winderbaum talked about how they were actually afraid of developing too much of the relationship between Rogue and Gambit.
I think this is true for television in general, but certainly true in “X-Men 97” when it’s at its best, when you invest in those longer relationships that simmer over time from episode to episode, even season over season, when tragedy strikes, when the stakes become very dangerous, it packs more of an emotional punch — because you know what’s going to be lost.
He further continued, When you have a romance between Rogue and Gambit, it ends up being unrequited, part of this complicated love triangle. With his sacrifice, so much potential is lost — for that character, for the relationships. You could feel viscerally the shock wave it will set off through the other characters.
However, as the interview further continued, Winderbaum talked about how the X-Men comics were actually more human than most superheroes. While talking about the topic of s*x in comics and how Marvel Studios avoids it, Winderbaum had quite some things to say.
The X-Men Are More Human Than Most Superheroes!
Marvel Comics often mentions s*x between superheroes, Brad Winderbayn talked about how Marvel Studios, on the other hand, avoids it at all costs. While showcasing a more mature theme of the X-Men in X-Men ’97, Winderbaum talked about how they had to be careful.
The scene of Gambit’s death in Episode 5 of X-Men ’97 I Marvel Animation
As the interview further continued, the executive producer of X-Men ’97 agreed with the interviewer when it was stated that comic books often have adult themes.
However, Winderbaum revealed that he wanted to evoke a sense of nostalgia for the people.
Part of the ethos of the show is to emulate our memory of the original cartoon, and honor the source material. In every page of “X-Men” is human desire, and how it leads to romance, to complications,
He further continued, Part of that is about human desire and passion. Even though a lot of it is implied, you’re right to say it’s very present in X-Men.
With a rating of 9/10 on IMDB and a whopping 99% on Rotten Tomatoes, X-Men ’97 has essentially revived people’s interest in the animated realm of the MCU. The iconic show is available to stream on Disney+ in the U.S.
