Marvel is doubling down on mutants, and X-Men '97 Season 2 is bringing back one of the most beloved—and tragically underused—characters from the comics: Magik. The new trailer from Marvel Animation gives us our first real look at Illyana Rasputina (voiced by Courtenay Taylor), the sorceress sister of Colossus, in her animated debut. This marks the character's first major on-screen appearance since Anya Taylor-Joy played her in 2020's The New Mutants.
While The New Mutants was a bold attempt to bring a darker, horror-tinged corner of the X-Men universe to life, the film was plagued by delays and a muted release. Many fans have since treated it as a footnote in Marvel's mutant saga. Now, with Disney fully embracing the X-Men across animation and live-action, Magik is getting a fresh start—and this time, she's front and center in the animated series that revived the classic '90s vibe.
How Magik Appeared in Season 1
Technically, Magik wasn't a complete stranger to X-Men '97 Season 1. The shapeshifter Morph transformed into an adult version of Illyana during one episode, giving fans a glimpse of her iconic look without actually introducing the character into the storyline. Additionally, a photo of Magik appeared on Forge's board of X-Men members, hinting that she might still be alive somewhere in the show's timeline. The new Season 2 footage suggests that Illyana either meets a tragic fate early in the season or that her death is revealed through a flashback—a fitting narrative choice given her comic history.
Magik's Comic Legacy of Death and Resurrection
In the comics, Illyana Rasputina has a long and dark history of dying and coming back—it's practically her trademark. One of the most famous arcs saw her succumb to the Legacy Virus, only to be resurrected by the demon Belasco in a twisted new form known as the Darkchylde. This gives the X-Men '97 writers plenty of material to explore, from her demonic powers to her complicated relationship with her brother Colossus. The show's creative team has a rich well of stories to draw from, and Magik's return could be one of the season's most compelling threads.
Who Else Stars in X-Men '97?
The voice cast for X-Men '97 is stacked with talent. Ray Chase (known for Final Fantasy XV) takes on the role of Cyclops, while Jennifer Hale (Mass Effect) voices Jean Grey. Alison Sealy-Smith returns as Storm, Cal Dodd reprises his iconic role as Wolverine, and Lenore Zann is back as Rogue. The cast also includes A.J. LoCascio as Gambit, Matthew Waterson as Magneto, and Adrian Hough as Nightcrawler. With such a strong ensemble, the series continues to honor the legacy of the original X-Men: The Animated Series while pushing the story forward.
As Marvel prepares to integrate mutants more deeply into its cinematic and streaming universe, Magik's animated debut feels like a significant step. Whether she becomes a key player in the show or a tragic figure whose death drives the plot, one thing is clear: Illyana Rasputina is finally getting the spotlight she deserves. For fans who have been waiting since The New Mutants for more Magik, this is a welcome—and long overdue—return.
