10 Lessons The MCU’s X-Men Movie Should Learn From X-Men: The Animated Series

X-Men: The Animated Series was a masterclass in adapting comic books, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe would be wise to learn from its strengths when producing its X-Men project. X-Men: The Animated Series remains one of the most beloved adaptations of Marvel’s mutant superheroes, praised for its faithful storytelling, complex characters and compelling exploration of mutant politics. There are invaluable lessons that can be learned from the 1990s animated series, which in many ways was quintessential.

X-Men: TAS Boasting some great episodes, often exploring dynamic characters and stories taken straight from the pages of Marvel Comics. The MCU is known for its ability to blend character development with epic action, and if it takes cues from X-Men: TASIt could create an X-Men franchise that stands out in the superhero genre. The MCU X-Men The movie was tantalizingly possible with Disney’s acquisition of Fox, reverting the character right back to Marvel.

10

Don’t kill the villains

Censorship meant X-Men couldn’t kill any villains

X-Men: TAS Rarely killed of its villains, a practice largely influenced by censorship at the time. However, this Inadvertently resulted in a key strength of the show: The ability to bring villains back in multiple episodes, allowing for long-term development and a deeper connection between them and the X-Men. Apocalypse, The Sentinels, Mister Sinister, and many more, appeared regularly, with motivations and philosophies explored over time.

In contrast, many of these X-Men Films quickly dispatch villains, losing the opportunity for rich, recurring narratives. Magneto was the main exception to this, who Proved that a compelling villain could develop over several movies. The MCU X-Men Should avoid this pit and keep major villains around for multiple appearances. This would allow for more nuanced character arcs and deeper exploration of the ideological battles that define the X-Men Universe.

9

Don’t deviate too far from the source material

X-Men: TAS was very faithful to the comics

One of the strongest aspects of X-Men: The Animated Series was his Fidelity to the source material. The show adapted iconic comic book arcs like “The Dark Phoenix Saga” and “Days of Future Past” with respect for the original stories, even if it had to condense or modify them for television. The X-Men Movies, however, often stray far from the comics, and with mixed results.

While some creative liberties were necessary for the adaptation, many key characters and storylines were heavily altered in these X-Men Movies, which alienated some fans. Instead, the MCU’s X-Men should follow the example of the animated series and stick closer to the source material, Balancing faithful adaptations with the necessary tweaks for modern storytelling. X-Men: The Animated Series Balances this perfectly, often by recasting central characters from the comics with the core X-Men team.

8

Wolverine is not the only star

X-Men: TAS explored many characters

Wolverine quickly became the face of the X-Men In the movies, to the point where other characters are often sidelined. Although Hugh Jackman’s image is certainly iconic, Wolverine’s overexposure meant that Other important characters were often underdeveloped. The problem was compounded when Wolverine took center stage in stories that originally belonged to other characters, such as Kitty Pryde’s role in “Days of Future Past.”

in X-Men: TASWhile Wolverine was a central character, the show did an excellent job of giving each X-Man their moment in the spotlight. Episodes would often focus on individual characters, allowing for deeper exploration of their backstories, personalities, and internal struggles. The MCU should embrace the ensemble approach, Give each team member their due Rather than making Wolverine the sole focus. This could also solve the issue of recasting Wolverine, should the MCU introduce him later or as part of a wider ensemble.

7

Have an entire X-Men team

The X-Men: TAS team has 9-10 members

The X-Men Films often featured a smaller team of characters, usually consisting of four to six members. While this allowed for a more focused narrative, it limited the dynamic interplay that could occur within a larger team. X-Men: TAS featured A more powerful lineup of charactersAllowing the show to explore various team dynamics, relationships and conflicts. The rotating focus on different team members ensured that each character had their time to shine, whether it was a spotlight episode or participation in a broader storyline.

The MCU X-Men Should encompass a larger team, to provide a more comic-accurate picture and increase the potential for rich dynamics. With a larger roster, the films can Highlight the uniqueness of each X-ManTheir strengths, and their individual contributions to the group. This also allows the filmmakers to switch focus between different characters in multiple films, keeping the franchise fresh and engaging.

6

Individual (and loyal) costumes are a must

X-Men: TAS adapted costumes from the comics

One of the biggest complaints about the US X-Men Kino was the lack of individuality in the characters’ costumes. Instead of the colorful, comic-accurate designs, the original trilogy opted for generic black leather suits. Meanwhile, the prequels adopt a classic yellow and blue design but lack any individuality. in contrast, X-Men: TAS Embrace the vibrant, iconic costumes of the comicsGive each character a distinct look that matches their abilities and personas.

Wolverine’s yellow and blue suit, Storm’s regal white outfit and Cyclops’ tactical blue uniform all added to the visual identity of the show. Giving each character their individualized costume allows for better character distinction. The comic book costumes are Designed to convey a lot about a characterand are often tailored to suit them in some special way. The triumph of Wolverine’s comically accurate costume in Deadpool & Wolverine is enough evidence.

5

Don’t make it overly child-friendly

X-Men: TAS was subject to intense censorship

While X-Men: TAS Is fondly remembered, one of his Few weaknesses were the heavy censorship That prevented the show from fully embracing the darker elements of the X-Men Universe. To comply with broadcast standards, the show often avoids depicting intense violence or emotional trauma. Many fights involved robots instead of human enemies, and some themes were toned down for younger audiences.

The MCU shouldn’t shy away from the darker, more mature aspects of the X-Men’s storylines. The discrimination mutants face, the internal struggles with identity, and the existential threats they face All should be depicted with the necessary intensity. A more mature tone, as seen in films like Captain America: The Winter Soldier And Black Panthercan provide the depth that the X-Men Franchise needs. The MCU X-Men should have a similar tone.

4

Stories can be episodic and not self-contained

X-Men: TAS often features two-part episodes and sagas

One of the advantages of X-Men: TAS was his ability to tell multi-form stories over multiple episodes. Arcs like “The Phoenix Saga” and “The Dark Phoenix Saga” spanned several episodes, Allowing for a more detailed exploration of the plot and characters. The serialized narrative gave the stories room to breathe and let emotional moments land with greater impact.

The MCU has excelled in serialized storytelling, with interconnected films and overarching narratives. X-Men Should use a comparable approach, telling longer, more intricate stories that span multiple movies. Instead of rushing through iconic arcs like “The Dark Phoenix Saga,” the MCU can Take time to develop the characters and storylinesMaking each story payoff more satisfying. This approach would also allow for deeper world-building, with each film contributing to the larger mutant narrative.

3

Mutant politics is the most compelling aspect

The X-Men fight to save a world that hates and fears them

One of the most important aspects of the US X-Men Franchise is his focus on mutant discrimination and the political struggles that come with it. in X-Men: TASThe subject of mutants are feared and hated by society was a constant backdropinfluencing the actions of the characters and the overall plot. The X-Men aren’t just superheroes; They were activists who fought for their right to exist in a world that despised them.

The allegory for real-world discrimination resonated deeply with audiences and made the X-Men stand out from other superhero teams. While the original X-Men Trilogy tackled these themes, later films Downplayed the political aspects of the mutant struggle. The MCU should refocus on this essential element, as it is integral to what makes the X-Men unique. The X-Men’s mantra, after all, is to protect those who hate and fear them.

2

It does not need to look realistic

X-Men: TAS was often psychedelic

The original X-Men Movies aimed for a relatively grounded and realistic aesthetic, which often meant toning down the more fantastical elements of the comics. however, X-Men: TAS Embraces the more psychedelic, colorful and surreal aspects of the source material. The animated series featured Bold visuals, wacky costumes and trippy psychic sequences Which captured the essence of the X-Men’s world without worrying about realism.

With the MCU already leaning into more comic-accurate and fantastical designs in films like Doctor Strange And Thor: RagnarökThe X-Men Could be similarly fantastic. It is No need to make the mutant world look “realistic” When the X-Men’s strength lies in their vibrant, extraordinary universe. Whether it’s the vivid landscapes of the wild land or the psychedelic chaos of the astral plane, the X-Men Films should embrace the surreal.

1

Diversify the list

X-Men is supposed to be about discrimination

One area where X-Men: TAS Fall was in its diversity. Although it has characters from different parts of the world, the core team is still predominantly white. The X-Men Movies similarly focused on mostly straight, white characters, Missing the opportunity to explore topics of discrimination and diversity in a more direct way. However, with the MCU’s track record of inclusivity, the X-Men are primed for a more diverse roster.

The X-Men Universe is home to a wealth of characters of different ethnicities, nationalities and sexual orientations. Characters like Bishop, Sunfire and Northstar are integral to the X-Men mythos and Offer the MCU an opportunity to highlight underrepresented groups. By diversifying the list, the MCU can create a more inclusive and representative version of ​​the X-Menmaking their stories of prejudice and acceptance even more powerful and relevant to modern audiences.