After watching the first two episodes of X-Men ’97, fans are wondering if Professor X has really died in this universe. Could he be brought back in some capacity in the future? Here’s all you need to know.
Is Professor X really dead in X-Men ’97?
While Professor X is believed to be dead in X-Men ’97, there is a chance that he could still be alive, based on how the original X-Men series ended.
The final episode of X-Men The Animated Series Season 5, Graduation Day, saw Professor X get shot with an energy disruptor by former NSA agent Henry Gyrich. It sent him into a coma and almost killed him. However, with the help of Magneto, he was able to telepathically communicate his situation to his love interest, the empress of the Shi’ar Empire, Lilandra.
She arrived and flew him to Shi’ar to treat him with alien technology. One year on from him leaving, the X-Men ’97 series reveals that he is believed to be dead. The world sees Gyrich as his killer, and even Xavier’s death certificate has delivered to the X-Mansion.
Furthermore, his will stated that the X-Mansion and leadership of the team will be passed on to Magneto. With his will being followed, it’s likely that the X-Men also believe him to be dead, despite him being on Shi’ar. So, Professor X’s absence from Earth for a year may have made them believe that he is truly gone for good. However, with the setup that X-Men Season 5 provided, it’s possible that he could still be alive on Shi’ar.
Will Professor Charles Xavier return in X-Men ’97?
Since Ross Marquand was cast to voice Professor X, it is possible for him to return in future episodes.
Most of the original X-Men cast members have returned to voice their characters in X-Men ’97. An notable exception is Professor X’s Cedric Smith, who didn’t come back to voice Charles Xavier. Ross Marquand was cast to replace him. The recasting seemingly confirms the character will be back in future episodes. Whether it is for a one-off flashback sequence remains to be seen.
That being said, it’s worth noting that a lot of characters have returned in comic book movies and TV shows. Returns have through cloning, resurrections, time travel, multiverse, and other plot devices. Professor X himself has been brought back multiple times in live-action using such story elements. Since Lilandra was confident that he could be healed on Shi’ar, there is a huge chance for his return in X-Men ’97.
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