When X-Men ‘97 premiered in 2024, fans marveled at how faithful it was to the original X-Men: The Animated Series from the 1990s. Not only did the show continue right where the original left off, but much of the cast returned to reprise the same roles they played decades earlier. There were, however, some recasts, and at least one of them was particularly surprising.
Chris Potter, who had originated the role of Gambit on the show that made the character famous, would no longer be playing the mutant from the Bayou. Instead, he would play Cable, while A.J. LoCascio would take on the role of Gambit.
But here’s the weird thing: nobody told Potter he was getting recast or explained why after it happened.
“I have no idea,” the actor tells Polygon.
Comparing his experience on X-Men: The Animated Series in the 1990s and X-Men ‘97 today, Potter says the biggest difference is an awareness of the fandom.
“It was all a whirlwind back then,” says Potter. “Many of us were working in other areas of the business. I was doing the Kung Fu series with David Carradine and this was sort of a side hustle, to be honest. The big difference today, I suppose, is that we’re well aware of how we imprinted on the audience back then. It’s very exciting to be a part of this now, 30 years later, knowing that it still has legs, and it seems to be doing well every week.”
In my mind, I’ll always be Gambit.
Having played Gambit in the original series and Cable on X-Men ‘97, I ask Potter which character he identifies with more.
“I did 75 episodes of Gambit. So in my mind, I’ll always be Gambit,” he says. “Being a part of it today, playing another great character in Cable, is as exciting as ever. I think the thing with Gambit is that I had the opportunity to help create that character. It’s not the same with Cable. I’m stepping into a role that’s been performed by others. With Gambit, I was the first and that was exciting for me. I was a younger man who really had the chance to create a character that I thought I might want to watch, so that was the difference.”
Image: Marvel Studios
As for why Marvel Studios chose to recast Gambit and shift him into another role,
“I’ve never gotten an answer,” Potter says. “Not from a single person. I really don’t know. I don’t think I aged out. I mean, heck, everybody’s older than me from the original cast except Jubilee. I don’t know. It’s a crazy business. I’m just happy to be a part of the new one. I really am.”
X-Men ’97 season 2 is now streaming on Disney Plus.