X-Men ’97 episode 3 might have teased a new and unexpected kind of relationship between popular X-Men members Morph and Wolverine.
Warning: This article contains spoilers for X-Men ’97 episode 3, “Fire Made Flesh.”
A new and unexpected romance between Morph and Wolverine might have been teased during Marvel Studios’ X-Men ’97 episode 3. Taking place outside the MCU, X-Men ’97 premiered on March 20, 2024, marking a revival of 1992’s popular X-Men: The Animated Series, which aired for five seasons between ’92 and 1997. X-Men ’97 picked up roughly a year after Professor X’s departure from Earth, with the X-Men now operating with Cyclops as their leader, though Magneto also assumes a leadership role. Aside from these changing roles, many of the characters remain the same, though some interesting changes have been made.
One character who has changed significantly in the time between X-Men: The Animated Series and X-Men ’97 is Morph, a metamorph who has the ability to alter their appearance to resemble any person of their choice. Morph’s appearance in X-Men ’97 is different to the human-presenting shape chosen in The Animated Series, and prior to X-Men ’97’s premiere, Morph was confirmed to be non-binary, which makes sense given their ability to take any shape they desire. However, X-Men ’97 may have introduced yet another change to Morph that could tease a major story of representation in X-Men ’97’s upcoming episodes.
X-Men ’97 Hints Morph Loves Wolverine
During X-Men ’97 episode 3, “Fire Made Flesh”, Mister Sinister unleashes Madelyne Pryor, who submits the X-Men to horrific visions. While Gambit sees Rogue and Magneto in a sultry embrace, and Sunspot witnesses his mother crawling from the TV, Morph has a more pleasant vision, though this also turns sour. In their vision, Morph sees Wolverine in the shower, but instead of acting shocked, Morph takes in the view and makes a joke about helping get the “hard to reach places.” Indeed, this situation soon becomes a nightmare, but this reaction may have hinted at Morph’s romantic affection for Wolverine.
How X-Men ’97 Changes Morph & Wolverine’s Relationship
X-Men ’97 episode 3 features the first hint at a possible romantic connection between Morph and Wolverine, as the pair have only ever been seen to be close friends in previous episodes and in X-Men: The Animated Series. A deeper connection between them could have been debated, particularly since Wolverine deeply mourned Morph’s loss after their apparent death, and the pair joked together almost constantly, but a romance never truly blossomed. Of course, Wolverine’s love for Jean Grey means it’s very unlikely any feelings on Morph’s part would be reciprocated, but this too could be an interesting narrative to explore.
In Marvel Comics, Morph is actually Kevin Sydney, a.k.a. Changeling, a short-lived adversary of the X-Men, but this was changed for 1992’s X-Men: The Animated Series .
Non-binary representation is seriously lacking in popular culture, so having a fan-favorite X-Men member explore this new characterization could be hugely important. X-Men ’97 is a nostalgic series for many, and values in the 1990s, when X-Men: The Animated Series was originally airing, were very different, so Morph’s new embrace of their true identity has caused a stir of complaints from some. However, this is an incredibly relevant and necessary story to be told, and Morph’s power-set makes them the perfect character in X-Men ’97 to investigate this, even if nothing comes of the potential romance between Morph and Wolverine.
Note: New episodes of X-Men ’97 release every Wednesday on Disney+.
