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Gambit’s Heartbreaking X-Men ’97 Death Now Gets Official Funko Pop! Merch

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As a kid of the ’90s who grew up adoring the X-Men: The Animated Series, I had high expectations that X-Men ’97 would be a straightforward continuation of my beloved show. However, I must admit, it turned out to be quite a departure from what I (and probably many other fans) anticipated. Despite the acclaim it’s received as part of Marvel Studios’ Disney+ lineup, X-Men ’97 moves at a breakneck pace and takes creative liberties that were far from the norm for the animated series. The first episode, “To Me, My X-Men,” was a fairly standard half hour for our mutant friends, but the rest of the series certainly didn’t follow suit.

They played some basketball, shared some chuckles, and effortlessly defeated a large group of Sentinels, which was reminiscent of tin cans. Essentially, Episode 1 met the expectations of longtime X-Men cartoon fans from the 90s. However, it turned out that everything was a deception. Looking back, one could argue that the episode tricked viewers into feeling safe before suddenly snatching that safety away.

Further episodes of “X-Men ’97” featured hostile anti-Mutant prejudice, kidnapping and harmful genetic experimentation on a newborn, and a core member losing her powers unexpectedly. However, nothing quite matches the events that unfolded in the fifth episode of the season.

In Episode 5, a group of X-Men are sent to the isolated island of Genosha as representatives of Professor Charles Xavier’s vision. Genosha, a tranquil, mutant sanctuary, had joined the United Nations and was open for global observation during this historic event. Journalists from around the world were present to document and share news about Genosha at this momentous occasion.

In the storyline, Magneto, who has been associated with numerous inhumane acts on earth as Erik Lehnsherr, was invited to govern the Genoshan council due to his Mutant lineage. This powerful figure of magnetism sought to persuade the world, particularly the X-Men, that he had undergone a transformation and was prepared to act for the greater good.

Unexpectedly, it was only Cable, having traveled through time, who could foresee what followed. Suddenly, the nearly invincible mechanical being, Master Mold, launched an assault on Genosha – a barrage of metal and energy bursts.

In a swift and accurate attack, the Master Mold, boasting an apparently endless number of Sentinel drones at his disposal, moved with purpose. Each drone had been given a single command to be etched into their digital consciousness: Locate and eliminate all Mutants without mercy or compassion.

In the heat of the battle, the X-Men sprang into motion, yet it appeared the outcome was uncertain. However, all hope wasn’t lost. Remy LeBeau, also known as Gambit or the Ragin’ Cajun, stepped forward courageously, right into Master Mold’s line of fire. Moments later, Gambit soared through the air only to be pierced by a robotic tentacle in his abdomen.

Despite Master Mold’s CPU failing to anticipate it, Gambit’s Mutant power was crucial. He electrified Master Bold’s entire body, readying it for an explosion. In his dying moments, the hero spoke his parting words, “‘I am Gambit,’ ‘my friend… ‘Remember that.’

Funko has released a new Pop! Vinyl figure based on the X-Men ’97 series, which represents Gambit as he appeared just before his tragic demise, sporting a worn and bloodied look. The figure is dressed in a white tuxedo like the one seen on screen, and carries his signature bo staff.

You can now pre-order the Funko Pop! Vinyl Figure of Gambit from X-Men ’97 (Genosha Battle) for $16.99. However, please note that this item is available only through Entertainment Earth, a well-established online toy vendor with a long history in the industry.

Marvel Animation’s “X-Men ’97” wrapped up its highly praised inaugural season in May 2024. A second season is set to premiere, though the exact release date remains undisclosed, in 2026.

What’s Next For Marvel’s Gambit?

Fans who stayed until the end of the Season 1 finale of X-Men ’97 were treated to a hint-filled scene after the credits. The camera sweeps across the devastated remains of Genosha. A massive, armored hand retrieves one of Gambit’s playing cards from the debris, and menacingly growls, “There is so much suffering ahead, my children.

Speaking those chilling words was undoubtedly En Sabah Nur, known for his immense power among the Mutant population. The tone of his voice alone conveyed the imminence of death.

Previously, the character referred to as Apocalypse had encounters with the X-Men on numerous occasions within the TV show titled “X-Men: The Animated Series“. Comic book enthusiasts will instantly comprehend his reemergence.

The main objective of Apocalypse is to destroy Earth completely and then rebuild it according to his own design. To achieve this, he often enslaves other Mutants, turning them into his Horsemen. For instance, Apocalypse manipulated the X-Man, Angel, changing him into Archangel and making him one of his Horsemen, specifically for Death.

As a die-hard fan of the X-Men universe, it feels like Apocalypse is once again stirring up trouble with his nefarious schemes – this time reviving Gambit and manipulating him as another Horseman. The second season of X-Men ’97 promises to explore this intriguing plotline further.

Yet, Remy LaBeau hasn’t only been appearing in animation recently. In the 2024 blockbuster MCU film titled “Deadpool & Wolverine“, Channing Tatum had a chance to portray the character. He played a variant of Gambit who was banished to the Void by the Time Variance Authority following its alteration of his original reality.

Previously, when the X-Men film rights belonged to 20th Century Fox, they decided to produce a standalone movie featuring Gambit, starring Channing Tatum. However, due to various delays and subsequently, Fox’s acquisition by The Walt Disney Company in 2019, the progress of live-action Gambit stories came to an almost decade-long halt despite Channing Tatum’s persistent and eager intentions.

In this new Marvel film, Deadpool and Wolverine capitalized on the fond memories of previous Marvel movies, featuring Wesley Snipes as Blade and Jennifer Garner as Elektra. Lastly, Channing Tatum finally got his chance to put on the Gambit costume, complete with an authentic comic-book inspired outfit. Remarkably, Tatum’s character, Gambit, made a subtle, amusing nod to his delayed movie project by indirectly referencing it.

Channing Tatum’s comical, slurred portrayal of Gambit was hugely popular, leading Marvel Studios to invite Tatum back for the role in Avengers: Doomsday, set for release in 2026. It seems likely that he will join forces with other original X-Men cast members such as James Marsden as Cyclops and Kelsey Grammer’s Beast.

Despite some notable setbacks, it appears that the cards are always in Gambit’s favor.

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2025-06-20 21:04

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