X-Men ‘97 has continuously surprised fans with its jaw-dropping revelations and character introductions. One of the early surprises the animated series reveals is the TV debut of Jean Grey’s Clone, Madelyne Pryor, who eventually transforms into Goblin Queen in Episode 3, Fire Made Flesh.
But instead of pitting the two women against each other, the revival’s director, Emi Yonemura, reveals how they give justice to Madelyne's character.
In an interview with Comicbook, Yonemura revealed their work to subvert expectations in the difference between Madelyne and Jean while grounding the former’s unique story of motherhood. According to her, one reason that she became a part of X-Men '97 was to ensure that she would give a “good proper female voice” to the character.
But though she now identified as trans, she knew the importance of “just understanding this place of feminity.” She, too, never wanted it to appear like they were trying to make the two female mutants rebel against each other.
“I never wanted it to feel like we were pitting two women against each other because I hate that trope,” Yonemura explained. “And I also feel like, if I met a clone of me, I feel like I would just want to ask so many questions of myself. I would want to get to know me and be like, 'Okay, let's actually have a chat.’”
Another thing Yonemura cherished about the introduction of Madelyne was working with the editor Michelle McMillan after recently giving birth. As they tried to find the defining difference between the two female mutants and heal Madelyne, they thought of her child and motherhood.
“So, it was great to be able to collaborate with her on it and find 'What's that moment?'” she continued. “Talking about how giving birth to her child was one of the hardest things she's ever done, but it was also one of her favourite memories. I thought that is just so beautiful. I want to bring that in.”
This made Madelyne one of her favourite characters. Add to that Madelyne's love for her child, and she instantly thought of her as a “boss.”
It was a true pleasure for Yonemura to tell a female story without a “stereotypical male gaze” on it, describing Madelyne and Jean as two “very accomplished, very powerful women.”
Who is Madelyne Pryor in X-Men?
Madelyne was first introduced as a cargo pilot in Alaska in 1983's Uncanny X-Men #168 by Chris Claremont and Paul Smith. She had an uncanny resemblance to Jean, who had died and disappeared in The Dark Phoenix Saga, but stressed she was her own woman.
After meeting Scott Summers/Cyclops, the two fell in love, married, and had a child, Nathaniel Summers/Cable. Eventually, Scott grew tired of their relationship and left them.
Madelyne lived as an ordinary civilian for a while, but everything changed when she gained superpowers from Loki and became Anodyne.
She was almost killed by the Marauders but was rescued and joined the X-Men. Later, she learned Jean was alive, and she was her genetically engineered clone created by Mr. Sinister.
From there, Madelyn joined Mr. Sinister's Inferno torture of the X-Men and was presumed dead. She became a Hellfire Club member and their Red Queen when she returned.
X-Men ’97 Episodes 1-6 are now streaming on Disney+, while new episodes come out every Wednesday.
READ MORE: X-Men '97 Director Addresses Captain America's Upcoming Appearance