“I’ll remember this line till the day I die”: One Wolverine Dialogue Inspired X-Men ’97 Star Ross Marquand’s Acting Dreams Before Setting an Undefeated MCU Record
The X-Men universe has always been one of the most loved storylines for Marvel fans. The new Disney+ series X-Men ’97 reignited the love for the mutant heroes. The series is a sequel to the iconic X-Men: The Animated Series from the 90s. It picks up after the conclusion of the original show.
X-Men ’97 aims to carry forward the legacy of the original series, which was one of the most popular animated shows by Marvel. Many familiar names from the original cast reprised their roles along with new talents.
Voice artist Ross Marquand gave voice to Professor X in X-Men ’97. Marquand’s involvement in the series holds a special significance. It is not only his latest contribution to the Marvel Cinematic Universe but also represents a full-circle moment in his life. The story goes way back to his childhood love for the X-Men.
How Did Wolverine Inspire Ross Marquand to Become a Voice Actor?
Marquand’s journey into the acting world was influenced by his deep connection to the most loved mutant, Wolverine. During a recent interview with ComicBook’s Phase Zero, the voice actor talked about how the original X-Men: The Animated Series became an inspiration for him. Marquand talked about how he was bullied as a young boy and how Wolverine helped him to find peace. Marquand said,
“That was the show that made me want to be an actor. I remember specifically having a great affinity to, and a relationship with Wolverine. I was a kid that got picked on a lot.”
“And I’ll remember this line until the day I die. And that line is the reason why I wanted to become an actor. He (Wolverine) says, ‘There’s no peace for me here. There’s no peace for me anywhere.’ And I thought that’s me as a 12-year-old boy. I thought I can relate to this because I feel like everywhere I get picked on, and I thought, ‘If I could convey a, just a shred of what this actor has done in this role in this moment, that’s what I wanna do with my life.'”
Also read: X-Men ’97 Head Director Says the Show Will Prove “Animation isn’t just a children’s medium”
It was this particular line from his beloved X-Men that changed Marquand’s mind. It ignited his will to look into new possibilities. Impressed with the way the actor portrayed the emotion, Marquand decided to pursue acting. His story is just one more example among millions of others that shows how a fictional superhero character can actually change someone’s life in reality.
Also read: X-Men Fans Can Sleep Easy After Knowing What X-Men’ 97 Directors Have Revealed for Their MCU Debut
Ross Marquand Sets a New Marvel Record With X-Men ’97
Marquand’s role as Professor X in X-Men ’97 undoubtedly holds a special place. However, it is just the latest addition to his impressive list of MCU characters. The voice actor has now set a record for portraying the most number of roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Marquand’s Marvel journey began when he gave voice to Red Skull in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. He then gave his voice to several characters in the animated series Marvel’s What If…?. He voiced an alternate universe version of Red Skull, Infinity Ultron, Sub-Ultron Sentries, and even Tony Stark’s user interface, W.E.R.N.E.R. Marquand also voiced Ultron Sentries in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
With X-Men ’97, Marquand adds another character to his impressive MCU resume. It cemented his status as the actor to portray most Marvel roles. It is undoubtedly an inspiring accomplishment for someone whose love for these iconic characters ignited a lifelong passion.
