Some viewers of the popular retro series X-Men '97 have expressed strong disapproval regarding the inclusion of a nonbinary character. However, the actor portraying this character has a clear response to the criticism.
X-Men '97 quickly became a hot topic among fans when it debuted on Disney+, receiving widespread praise. This animated show serves as a revival and extension of the beloved X-Men: The Animated Series which originally aired from 1992 to 1997. Despite the dismissal of the showrunner by Disney under questionable circumstances, the show continues to gain momentum, with two more seasons already in the pipeline even before the completion of the first season. Nevertheless, some viewers seem to be struggling with a particular aspect.
Enter actor J.P. Karliak. In a recent interview with CBR, Karliak addressed the fan backlash surrounding his character, Morph, being identified as nonbinary. He not only considers this identification completely fitting with Morph's character but also resonant with his own activism in real life. With his deep understanding of Morph's journey, Karliak was not surprised by the negative reactions.
In today's world, any effort towards inclusivity often triggers unwarranted hostility from certain quarters without any logical basis. However, there are numerous fans who appreciate the importance of diversity and representation, especially in a franchise that has always tackled the very issues that some fans seem determined to perpetuate. Karliak expressed his admiration for those supporting Morph's identity and the show's overarching messages. X-Men '97 is the latest addition to a series of narratives that metaphorically address civil rights and social justice. The character Morph, with his shape-shifting abilities, contributes to this cause.
Some critics tried to justify their objection by claiming that Morph never explicitly identified as nonbinary or used they/them pronouns in the original X-Men series or X-Men '97. However, as Karliak emphasized, the situation is more nuanced. It's essential to understand that nonbinary individuals can present themselves as masculine or feminine as they desire and are not obligated to conform to androgynous stereotypes. The use of they/them pronouns was not common knowledge in the 90s, the era in which the show is set. Nonetheless, nonbinary identities were not nonexistent during that period.
Individuals who do not conform to traditional gender norms have existed throughout history far longer than many realize. Transgender and nonbinary individuals, falling under the transgender umbrella, have been documented in the past, often described using vague terminology due to the limited understanding of gender diversity at the time. However, one's identity is not defined by the language of a specific era.
X-Men '97 releases new episodes every Wednesday on Disney+.
Source: CBR