Chase Conley and Amy Yonemura, behind the hit series X-Men 97, won’t rule out directing the version with real actors.
Since the animated series X-Men ’97 debuted on Disney+ in March, reviews have been unanimously positive, especially among fans of the popular ’90s series. Chase Conley and Amy Yonemura, the directors behind this brilliant revival, have expressed their excitement for an even more ambitious project: directing a live-action version of the X-Men in the vast, starry skies of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). .
X-Men interest in live action
In an interview with ScreenRant, Conley revealed that if Marvel Studios offered them a role in rebooting the mutant franchise, they would be willing to accept the challenge. “If that’s the call we get, I’ll definitely answer the phone,” says Conley, confirming his openness to new challenges and creative adventures.
Yonemura echoed the same sentiment: “I’ll never say no to that call because I love a good challenge and trying new things,” showing he’s open to expanding his career in exciting and perhaps even more explosive directions.
The magic behind animation
The creative duo highlighted the unique benefits of working in animation, such as the ability of hand-drawn frames to achieve greater emotional impact on viewers. “There are things you can do in animation that are conscious, especially in terms of emotional impact, even with action,” Conley explained. Yonemura added, “Our anime series are proving that animation is not just a medium, but deserves to be valued as much as live action.
Meanwhile, mutant fans will have to wait a little longer to see a new X-Men movie in the MCU, although they can satisfy their mutant cravings with the arrival of Deadpool and Wolverine, scheduled for July 26. This third installment of the Deadpool franchise sees Wade Wilson, played by Ryan Reynolds, crossing paths with Logan/Wolverine, once again played by Hugh Jackman, as he enters the multiverse on a TV mission. The film features characters from the Fox-era X-Men films, such as Pyro, played by Aaron Stanford.
A review of the evolution of the X-Men in film and television
In the year Since being created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1963, the X-Men have been a rich and enduring genre of diversity and acceptance. The transition from comics to the big screen and later to animation allowed these aspects to be explored more deeply. 20th Century Fox’s 20th Century Fox debut in 2000 marked a generation of first adaptations from the nineties and laid the foundation for the franchise’s success in cinema.
With each reinvention, the X-Men have captured the imagination of new audiences by showcasing their characters’ versatility and enduring appeal. Conley and Yonemura continued this tradition with X-Men 97, honoring the legacy of their unique and modern vision. The opportunity to direct this live-action version will be a new chapter in its evolution, promising an exciting fusion of nostalgia and novelty.
The first season of X-Men 97 continues to attract new viewers every Wednesday on Disney+, solidifying itself as a key element in the platform’s superhero entertainment offering. Conley and Yonemura are making a mark with their deep character development and attention to style animation that animated narratives can be appreciated in comparison to live-action productions.