X-Men '97 Faces Backlash Over Non-Binary Morph, Original Creators Respond

Summary

Morph’s nonbinary identity in
X-Men ’97
challenges critics, reflecting the show’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
X-Men: The Animated Series
creators defend Morph’s portrayal, citing shapeshifting abilities as synonymous with being nonbinary.
X-Men ’97
aims to inspire viewers to embrace differences and belonging, launching on Disney+ in March 2024.

X-Men ’97, a continuation of the beloved X-Men: The Animated Series, has taken a bold step forward by reimagining the character Morph as nonbinary. The decision, though met with some backlash, mirrors the show’s loyalty to its foundation and its responsiveness to evolving social standards.

Morph, originally introduced as a dark-haired male character, has undergone a significant transformation in X-Men ’97. Now depicted with a plain, mask-like bald head, Morph’s physical appearance is a visual representation of their nonbinary identity. This change has sparked discussions and criticism on social media, with some accusing the series of making “woke” alterations. However, the creators of the original animated series have come forward to address these concerns, asserting that the depiction of Morph as nonbinary aligns with the character’s inherent nature.

For me, the word ‘nonbinary’ is the same as the word ‘shapeshifter.

Larry Houston, the director of the original series, views Morph’s shapeshifting ability as synonymous with being nonbinary. “For me, the word ‘nonbinary’ is the same as the word ‘shapeshifter,’” Houston explained to Variety. He argues that any character capable of altering their form, whether from one gender to another or from human to animal, embodies the essence of a shapeshifter.

How X-Men ’97 Fits Into the MCU

X-Men ’97 has fans buzzing with anticipation, while many others are wondering if the revival show will fit into the MCU.

Eric Lewald, a co-creator and showrunner of the original series, further supports this interpretation by recalling moments from the show where Morph morphed into female characters such as Rogue, Storm, and Jean Grey. One particularly memorable scene involves Morph, disguised as Jean Grey, attempting to deceive Wolverine by initiating a kiss. Lewald sees this as a clear indication of Morph’s nonbinary nature, even if it wasn’t explicitly stated in the ’90s cartoon.

Embracing Change and Challenging Backlash in X-Men ’97

The backlash against Morph’s portrayal in X-Men ’97 has been met with disappointment by the original creators. Julia Lewald, another co-creator, expressed her frustration, questioning whether the critics had missed the core message of the original series, which emphasized empathy, tolerance, and unity. Lewald highlighted the irony of revisiting the same issues of acceptance and inclusivity decades later. She said:

“Did we teach you people nothing? Were you not watching? Did we not figure out how to be nice to each other and how to get along? It’s very odd to feel like we are still dealing with the same issues that we were dealing with 30 years ago. It’s painful.”

Lenore Zann, the voice actor for Rogue, echoed the sentiment of spreading a message of hope and belonging through the series. She hopes that X-Men ’97 will inspire viewers, particularly children, to embrace their differences and feel a sense of belonging in the world.

X-Men ’97
is set to launch on Disney+ on March 20, 2024.

X-Men ’97 carries with it the legacy of its predecessor while embracing the evolving conversations around identity and representation. The decision to present Morph as a nonbinary character is a testament to the show’s commitment to reflecting the diversity of the human experience. In a world where acceptance and understanding are more important than ever, X-Men ’97 stands as a beacon of progress and inclusivity in the realm of animation.