The X-Men ‘97 series is all set to premiere on the Disney+ streaming platform on March 20. Its latest trailer teased some potential storylines that may take place in the upcoming animated series. Taking place after the events of the original X-Men: The Animated Series, X-Men ‘97 marks the return of the beloved group of mutants who once had Professor Charles Xavier as their mentor. Xavier departed from planet Earth during the original series’ final moments, leaving the X-Men without a proper mentor. Shockingly, Magneto is now X-Men’s new leader.
One of the scenes from the trailer of the upcoming X-Men revival series showed Jean Grey pregnant, which was very surprising for many fans. Many believe this storyline could introduce Madelyne Pryor. Created by Mister Sinister (who will also appear in X-Men ‘97), Pryor is Jean’s clone in the comics. Sinister creates her to manipulate Scott Summers (Cyclops) emotionally, as Summers deeply loves Jean.
Madelyne Pryor looks very similar to Jean Grey in the comics. Together, Cyclops and Pryor conceive a son named Nathan Summers, who later becomes Cable. Created by Paul Smith and Chris Claremont, Pryor first appeared in the comics via Uncanny X-Men #168 (1983). Pryor’s striking resemblance to Jean Grey made Cyclops believe that Pryor was Jean’s reincarnation. This all happens after Jean is presumed dead in “The Dark Phoenix Saga”.
When the actual Jean Grey gets a new life, Cyclops decides to leave Madelyne and her son. Soon, Mister Sinister attacks her and his Marauders abduct Nathan. To save her son, Madelyne makes a dangerous deal with the demon N’astirh. All these events break Madelyne from the inside, commencing her descent into villainy. This scenario starts Madelyne’s transformation into the Goblin Queen.
Pryor dies in the prominent and critically acclaimed crossover event “Inferno”, which takes place in Uncanny X-Men #242. Her last battle takes place in the heart of New York City with Jean Grey. She decides to take her own life after she learns about the truth of her origins and the manipulation she suffered. This event makes Cyclops and Jean Grey feel terrible for Madelyne. Eventually, the couple decides to raise Nathan.
However, things turn upside down after Nathan gets infected with a lethal techno-organic virus. He is sent thousands of years into the future for his cure. There, he transforms into Cable, one of the primary adversaries of the villain Apocalypse.
Cable has appeared in many episodes of X-Men: The Animated Series. If Madelyne Pryor appears in X-Men ‘97, Cable may appear in it too. His appearance may give fans a chance to witness Cable’s origin story, making him an important part of the series.
X-Men ‘97 Disney+ Series will also arrive on Disney+ Hotstar. Stay tuned for more updates.