X-Men ’97 has brought back classic incarnations of many X-Men characters, and adapting them into live-action would require the right actors.

Warning! This article contains spoilers for X-Men ’97 through episode 5.

Many iconic characters make up the mutants of X-Men ’97, and should the MCU seek to adapt them into the live-action franchise, careful casting would be required. The X-Men rank among some of Marvel’s most iconic characters, but in spite of this, they have been conspicuously absent from the movies of the MCU due to rights issues. With Marvel finally securing the rights to the characters, mutants are finally making their way into the MCU, most notably making their full debut in the animated series X-Men ’97.

Following on as the series does from X-Men: The Animated Series, the cast of X-Men ‘97 features many familiar faces. The likes of Wolverine, Cyclops, Jean Grey, Magneto, Rogue, Gambit, Storm, Beast, and more make up the show’s core cast of mutants, and speculation about their live-action arrival in the MCU has prompted a wave of fan-casting. Should Marvel opt to bring the cast of X-Men ’97 into live-action, here are some of the actors they should consider.

12. Matt Bomer As Gambit

Bomer Exudes Gambit’s Smooth Charm

Though the shocking ending of X-Men ’97 episode 5 calls Gambit’s live-action appearance in the MCU into question, he may still make an appearance. As one of the most popular members of the X-Men, Gambit has never been given the time or attention he deserves in live-action, but the MCU may seek to resolve that issue. His heroic sacrifice makes it unclear whether Marvel will bring Gambit to the MCU in live-action, but Matt Bomer would be perfect for the part should they opt to do so.

Bomer’s easy charm and undeniable good looks would be perfect for Gambit in the MCU. His performances in shows such as American Horror Story and White Collar and movies such as Magic Mike and Maestro showcase Bomer’s versatility. Crucially, he has the wit and charisma to bring Gambit to life, making Matt Bomer a great choice for the role.

11. Anthony Carrigan As Morph

Carrigan Possesses Many Qualities That Would Make Him A Great Morph

Morph plays a relatively minor role in the opening episodes of X-Men ’97, but that isn’t to say he’s not a major character. Morph’s shapeshifting abilities are incredibly versatile and make him a valuable member of the team in many situations. The nature of his powers make casting him somewhat less crucial, as he would likely be played by multiple actors.

Anthony Carrigan would be an excellent fit for the role, and not just because he looks the part. Though the famously hairless actor would have no trouble matching up to Morph’s X-Men ’97 look, his capability runs much deeper. His role in Gotham demonstrates his ability to deliver unnerving and magnetic performances even with limited screen time, which would be absolutely perfect for a character like Morph. Considering he’d share the role with many other actors, his talent for standing out even in small moments would be perfect.

10. Okieriete Onaodowan As Bishop

Onaodowan Is A Popular Fancast For The MCU’s Bishop

Despite his main cast billing, Bishop’s role in the first few episodes of X-Men ’97 proved limited. After the birth of Nathan Summers, Bishop traveled to the future with him to ensure the boy’s safety. However, he’s still an important member of the X-Men and is undeniably one of the characters that Marvel would want to adapt into live-action when the time comes.

Okieriete Onaodowan is one actor that many fans consider perfect for the role. Onaodowan is perhaps best known for his turn in Hamilton, but he has also appeared in Station 19. Okieriete Onaodowan has proven that he could more than hold his own in the MCU, balancing drama and levity in keeping with the franchise’s established tone. Onaodowan being cast as Bishop would be excellent, as he fits the bill perfectly and is already a fan-favorite casting.

9. Xolo Maridueña As Sunspot

Maridueña Already Has Superhero Experience

Roberto Da Costa is one of the very first characters introduced by X-Men ’97. The young mutant has formed something of a duo with Jubilee, with the pair growing increasingly close as Roberto adjusts to life with the X-Men. As a younger member of the team, Sunspot brings an important dynamic to the X-Men and one that would likely translate well into live-action in the MCU.

Xolo Maridueña would be a good choice to play the young Brazilian mutant. Maridueña has recent superhero movie experience in Blue Beetle, and he looks remarkably like Da Costa. He’s also approximately the right age for the part and would fit in nicely with other young heroes in the MCU. Whether he’ll find his way into the MCU’s movie timeline remains to be seen, but Xolo Maridueña could be excellent as Sunspot.

8. Sam Richardson As Beast

Richardson’s Variety Of Talents Would Be Great For Beast

Beast is one of the most instantly recognizable members of the X-Men and, as such, is a likely addition to any potential live-action iteration of the team. His importance to the team and to many X-Men stories cannot be understated, so casting him appropriately is crucial. Although Sam Richardson may seem an unorthodox choice, he could be brilliant in the role.

Richardson is primarily known for his comedic ability, but he has flexed his dramatic and action muscles in recent years. With the necessary CGI augmentation, Richardson could prove an outstanding Beast, especially as he has the deep voice and good-natured humor of the X-Men ’97 version of the character. There are very few aspects of Richardson as a performer that don’t perfectly match up with Beast’s personality, and therefore he would also make an outstanding addition to the MCU.

7. Peyton Elizabeth Lee As Jubilee

Lee Is The Perfect Jubilee

Jubilee is often overlooked when it comes to prominent members of the X-Men, but she’s a key part of the team. Her role in X-Men ‘97’s cast is that of a young mutant hero in training, providing a more youthful and light-hearted perspective than many of her teammates. Jubilee’s Asian-American identity is a well-established part of the character and would need to be considered should she be introduced to the MCU in live-action.

A popular fancasting for the role of Jubilee is Peyton Elizabeth Lee, the young star of Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. She bears a striking visual resemblance to Jubilee, and her ability to bring her youthful spirit and innocence to the screen would be perfect to convey Jubilee’s adolescent naivety. Getting Jubilee’s casting just right for the MCU may be tricky, but Marvel would do well to consider Peyton Elizabeth Lee.

6. Elizabeth Gillies As Rogue

Gillies Would Be Able To Perfectly Replicate Rogue’s Look In Live-Action

X-Men ’97 quickly established Rogue as one of the central figures in its story, with her romantic connections to both Magneto and Gambit playing a significant role. She’s become a staple of X-Men stories across various different mediums, and the versatility of her abilities makes her a valuable asset to the team. As the version of Rogue introduced in Fox’s X-Men movies was not entirely comic-accurate, the MCU iteration of the character should be more faithful to both the comics and to X-Men ’97.

Elizabeth Gillies is one of the most talked-about fancastings to play Rogue in the MCU, and for good reason. Gillies looks uncannily like Rogue’s traditional comic book depiction, and there are very few performers likely to bring such a degree of comic-accuracy to her appearance. Though good casting is more than skin-deep, Elizabeth Gillies could make the perfect MCU Rogue.

5. Jodie Turner-Smith As Storm

Turner-Smith Could Bring The Appropriate Gravitas To Storm

Storm is one of the most prominent members of the X-Men, and her cinematic past has proved incredibly turbulent. After two underwhelming live-action versions of Ororo Munroe, X-Men ’97 has finally delivered a more accurate depiction of the character, and it’s likely the MCU will want to replicate its success in live-action. However, casting Storm is no easy task, as she’s a complicated and relatively serious character.

British actress Jodie Turner-Smith would be a stellar choice for the live-action version of the weather-manipulating mutant in the MCU. Turner-Smith’s ability to inject believable drama into her performances would prove invaluable to bringing Storm to life in the MCU, especially when compared to previous iterations of the character. There are few performers in Hollywood who would fit the role as well as Jodie Turner-Smith, making her casting a perfect Storm.

4. Sam Worthington As Wolverine

Worthington’s Rugged Looks Would Match X-Men ’97’s Wolverine

Wolverine may not have played a major role in the opening episodes of X-Men ’97, but he has always been the most famous and beloved member of the team. As such, casting Wolverine for the MCU is one of the biggest topics of debate, as many high-profile names have been suggested by fans and actors alike. However, when it comes specifically to casting X-Men ‘97’s version of Wolverine into live-action, Sam Worthington seems the obvious choice.

The Avatar actor has experience with physical action and heavy use of CGI and motion capture, making him a good fit for the MCU in general. He convincingly looks the part of Wolverine, too, with the rugged looks and slight edge that would do the character justice. In many ways, there are no downsides to Worthington’s potential casting, as he’d make an outstanding Wolverine in the MCU.

3. Viggo Mortensen As Magneto

Mortensen Would Capture The Complexities Of Magneto’s Character

Magneto assuming leadership of the X-Men was the driving force behind the opening of X-Men ’97, and so adapting the version of the character into live-action is a sensitive task. Magneto is more than just Marvel’s Master of Magnetism, he’s one of the most complex and nuanced figures in their entire comics pantheon. Casting an actor with the ability to convey such a broad spectrum of emotion in a character as stoic as Magneto is not simple.

Viggo Mortensen is one of the few actors who could potentially deliver the depth of performance required to explore Magneto as a character. Mortensen’s varied roles across his career more than qualify him for the job, and he’d almost certainly steal the show as the MCU’s Magneto. As one of the most celebrated actors of modern times, Viggo Mortensen could potentially redefine the character of Magneto in the MCU.

2. Victoria Pedretti As Jean Grey/Madelyne Pryor

Pedretti Gives Off The Perfect Jean Grey Aura

X-Men ’97 wasted no time in establishing the role of Jean Grey as a dual one with the introduction of her clone, Madelyne Pryor. Having two versions of the character play different roles in the series’ story means that casting Jean Grey in a live-action adaptation would require someone of unique talent. Thankfully, it would appear that Victoria Pedretti is more than up to the task.

Having risen to prominence with roles in The Haunting of Hill House and The Haunting of Bly Manor, Pedretti also enjoyed a starring role in You on Netflix. Her acting talent largely speaks for itself, but her roles in Mike Flanagan’s mind-bending shows directly demonstrate what she could bring to the role of Jean Grey specifically. Pedretti would be the perfect casting to play Jean Grey in the MCU and is more than capable of exploring the emotional depths of the character.

1. Glen Powell As Cyclops

Powell Would Cut A Commanding Figure As Cyclops

Perhaps the most currently sought-after MCU casting is that of Cyclops, the iconic leader of the X-Men. Though previous live-action takes on the character have failed to do the hero justice, X-Men ‘97’s comic-accurate depiction ticks every box, and a live-action MCU version would need to do the same. There are multiple actors capable of filling the role, but none are as perfect as Glen Powell.

As one of Hollywood’s biggest and fastest-rising stars, it’s easy to see how Powell would fit right into the role. His profile is already perfect for the MCU, and his easy good looks and imposing stature would translate excellently to Cyclops as he appears in X-Men ’97. In fact, there’s nothing about Powell that isn’t perfect for the role, and should X-Men ’97 be cast in live-action for the MCU, Glen Powell as Cyclops will hopefully be the first actor announced.