X-Men ’97 Voice Over How the Series’ Righteous Anger Gives a Voice to the Voiceless [Exclusive Interview] -SlashFilm

The next question is for both of you. Something I’ve always appreciated about X-Men is that the mutants have always existed as an echo for everyone in real life who is marginalized by the status quo. But “X-Men ’97” really gives these characters the space to express righteous anger towards a society that not only treats them unfairly but also with bigoted violence, which unfortunately many people, myself included, can relate to. So I’m curious if you two could talk about what it’s like to give voice to characters who are part of this team, who often say the things that so many of us would like to say, but sometimes feel like we might not be able to do it, for whatever reason.

Agustini: First of all, in general it’s just a great honor to be a part of it, but on this particular point it’s really wonderful because I think it’s an opportunity that we all have to see ourselves in the way and things , that we may not be able to say or express or actually be able to express because I think we should all have that safe space to process our feelings. So that’s the beauty of art, and in this case television, that you get to reflect and express yourself in a certain way and then get to experience the emotions along with these characters. For me it’s just a great honor. And I think the makers do it wonderfully, it’s portrayed so well and fortunately it’s very well received by our viewers.

Chou: Absolutely 100%. I want to repeat what you said, that that’s the point of art, right? Art is what expresses […] There’s a play called “The History Boys” and there’s this history teacher – he’s not just history, he teaches pretty much everything – but he says there’s something to do with finding something in writing – and I’ll just bring that up Extending art or, you know, entertainment or something like that – that you thought was just for you, so you were the only person who ever experienced it. And when you read it or see it, you realize that someone else has been through this too.

And a lot of the fans, a lot of the people that come up to us no matter where, at conventions or something like that or just to send us messages, [they’re saying] It’s not just whoever created or wrote the thing who went through the same thing. There are so many people. As it turns out, there are so many more people than you ever expected. I obviously don’t want to speak for the writers, Beau DeMayo, the predominant voice in this whole show, it’s his vision, it’s his voice. But also the team of other authors. This episode is by JB Ballard and Charlie Feldman. And you can tell that they have put their experiences and all their heart and soul into it. Oh my god, there are so many conversations in this episode alone. The conversations between Roberto and Jubilee and his mother and then Beast and Trish Tilby. What an important conversation there. And so enjoyable. I mean, you asked what it was like for us to be a part of this expression of this conversation. And it’s so gratifying to be able to help spread this message.