10 Marvel Characters we need to see in X-Men '97

X-Men ‘97 is being received better than recent Marvel Studios projects. The Disney Plus show has combined nostalgia for the 1990s, heart, and compelling storylines to make a nearly perfect show. According to X-Men ‘97’s director Jake Castorena, there’s more in store. He said to look out for Marvel Comics cameos. 

The Direct reports Jake Castorena saying, "The OG X-Men show was the MCU before the MCU became the MCU. And that's just the key fundamental in that show, so for us to be a true success or a true revival, we got to adhere to that. I highly encourage fans to keep a look out to see who they spot."

As Director Castorena pointed out, the original X-Men cartoon had a ton of cameos. There was a crossover with Spider-Man, a flashback episode featuring Captain America, Doctor Strange, Ms. Marvel, and more appeared as well. With Marvel Studios in control, who knows who’ll show up next? However, these ten characters are at the top of my list. 

10. Loki

Loki once gave Storm a magical hammer called Stormcaster. Of course, he had a motive behind his gift (X-Men Annual No. 9 1984). With Storm not having her powers, Loki may appear to tempt her. Even if it’s briefly.

Loki appearing as the God of Stories is an option as well (Loki season 2 finale). Tom Hiddleston has denied returning, but actors have done that before. It doesn’t hurt that everyone loves Loki. Putting him in an episode (even as a narrator) will bring viewers in.

9. M.O.D.O.K.

M.O.D.O.K. doesn’t hate mutants. He’s just an opportunist. A.I.M.'s leader would use Bolivar Trask and the mutant hysteria to fit his needs. He’d get the chance to experiment on mutants, access Sentinel tech, and hurt people in the process. Plus, it would be great to see Morph make fun of M.O.D.O.K. flying on a toilet.

8. Deadpool

During an episode of X-Men the Animated Series, Morph changed into Deadpool to mess with Wolverine’s head (season 2, episode 3 "Whatever It Takes"). That means Wade Wilson exists in this universe. Whether he’s still evil or an anti-hero remains to be seen. Either way, an adventure with Wade and Wolverine would be well received. Especially before Deadpool 3 is released. 

7. Cable

Now that Nathan Summers was officially born, it’s time for his older self to make another appearance. After decades of waiting, Nathan can finally tell Cyclops that he’s his son. This should lead to some awkward moments since Cable is decades older than his father. 

6. Spider-Man

Spider-Man technically made an appearance already. There was a Daily Bugle newspaper asking if Spider-Man was a mutant. That could have been a hint of things to come. If the X-Men are going up against the world, we can assume that Spider-Man will have their back.

5. Laura Kinney

Logan’s daughter/clone Laura (depending on the storyline) made her Marvel debut in X-Men: Evolution before NYX and Logan. There’s no reason she shouldn’t appear in X-Men ‘97. However, this is too important to be rushed. Laura should appear in the season finale. It would shock the team and leave viewers with a cliffhanger.

4. Red Skull

Red Skull is a deplorable villain with hate in his heart. He’s the perfect villain to lead the Sentinels against the X-Men. Not only because he’s evil. No one would see it coming. This could also lead to Captain America coming out of suspended animation.

3. Kamala Khan

Kamala Khan doesn't need to be Ms. Marvel. She can appear before she gets her powers. This will go a long way to establishing her existence throughout the multiverse. A good way would be to feature her while someone is using Cerebro. Kamala registering via Cerebro means she's a mutant here and maybe in every universe.

2. and 1. Binary and Monica Rambeau

At the end of The Marvels, Monica Rambeau is transported to an alternate universe. When she wakes up, she’s met by Hank McCoy (Beast) and a variant of her mother (Maria Rambeau), In this universe, her mom is Binary. This writer believes Monica arrived in the X-Men ‘97 universe.

Yes, Hank McCoy in The Marvels is voiced by Kelsey Grammer. That doesn’t mean they aren’t the same character. Sure, Carol Danvers is Ms. Marvel in X-Men the Animated Series. Maria could have gotten Binary powers elsewhere. Or maybe Carol Danvers isn’t Ms. Marvel anymore and passed her powers down to her friend.

Things like this happen for a reason. Showing Beast adds excitement to the X-Men coming to the MCU. However, if this was just to gain anticipation for Marvel’s Mightiest Mutants, it's a wasted move. An easy guess is Monica will appear in Deadpool 3 and return to her home reality with his help. Nevertheless, it would be fun if this is how the X-Men connect to the MCU.

Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow a well as our Twitter and Instagram to see which Marvel Comics characters appear in X-Men ‘97.