Who Is [SPOILER]? Everything You Need To Know About X-MEN '97 Surprise New Villain

Today's X-Men '97, titled "Bright Eyes," introduces a deadly new villain who is behind much of what we've seen in the series so far. Now, we're taking a deep dive into their history and what may come next.

By JoshWilding - Apr 24, 2024 01:04 PM EST

Filed Under: X-Men '97

Well, what an episode that was, eh?

X-Men '97 continues to deliver quality storytelling and the sort of surprises which keep fans coming back each week and, at this rate, it may go down as Marvel Studios' best TV show to date.

In "Bright Eyes," we learned that Bastion - not Cassandra Nova - was behind the attack on Genosha. Allied with Mister Sinister, this might be the greatest threat the X-Men has ever faced...even if he is a relatively obscure villain known only to hardcore comic book fans.

With that in mind, we've compiled an easy-to-follow guide which recaps Bastion's complicated history on the page and taken a deep dive into what he's likely up to in the X-Men: The Animated Series revival.

You can find out more about the X-Men '97 villain by tapping the "Next"/"View List" buttons below.

5. Who Is Bastion?

Like many X-Men characters, Bastion's origin is complicated. The simple version is that he was created when the Master Mold combined with Nimrod. Sent through a mystical portal known as the Siege Perilous, this combined being later became known as Bastion.

With no memory of his past, "Sebastion Gilberti" was adopted by a human woman but soon found a greater purpose upon learning of America's mutant problem. With Master Mold and Nimrod's combined hatred of mutants deep within him, Bastion set out to destroy the X-Men.

We're not sure how X-Men '97 will tie all this together, but we'd expect this version of the villain to keep close ties to both of those Sentinel-based baddies. As we saw in "Bright Eyes," he has plans to unleash a near-unstoppable robotic army on Earth's mutants.

4. The Meaning Of OZT

Today's episode of X-Men '97 featured several soldiers wearing "OZT" uniforms, and yes, they too originated on the page. With the mutant-hating cybernetic-hybrid's prime directives reactivated, Bastion created the international anti-mutant strike force Operation: Zero Tolerance.

With little interest in leading what he deemed an outdated Sentinel army, the villain instead experimented on humans and outfitted them with nano-technology to create new "Prime Sentinels" (like the Prime Trask defeated by Cable).

They made for an effective army, though the X-Men eventually triumphed and the OZT was shut down by the U.S. President. Bastion has a habit of manipulating the government, and we have a feeling that's why he seemingly plans to brainwash Magneto.

3. He's Played By Theo James

If you didn't stick around during the credits, you'll have likely missed the fact The Gentlemen star Theo James lends his voice to Bastion. His role in X-Men '97 was teased months ago and Marvel Studios must be taking the character seriously to enlist a Hollywood star.

So, what can we expect from his take on Bastion? Based on what we know so far, it looks like the villain intends to attack America with a brainwashed Magneto, forcing the government to support his OZT program and put an end to mutants once and for all in a full-blown war.

As well as being a genius, Bastion has a long list of powers and has even managed to master time travel. It's also looking increasingly likely that the all-powerful Sentinel is responsible for the desolate future Cable hails from.

2. Nightcrawler's Killer

marvel-s-bastion-kills-nightcrawler-copy

Nightcrawler has started making his presence felt in X-Men '97, but should be worried about everyone's favourite teleporter? If the comics are anything to go by, it might be wise not to get too comfortable with him being on the team.

During the X-Men: Second Coming crossover, Bastion set out to kill Hope Summers. Just as he was about to deliver the fatal blow, Nightcrawler teleported between them and was impaled on the villain's arm (don't worry, he was eventually resurrected).

Bastion has already killed Gambit and countless other mutants during his attack on Genosha with the Master Mold, so more casualties before X-Men '97 wraps up its first season may be inevitable.

1. Ties To Nimrod

Nimrod-Moira-9-from-Powers-of-X-Vol-1-1-copy

As we've established, Bastion's past is complicated. The X-Men battled Nimrod in X-Men: The Animated Series and Gambit destroyed the Master Mold when he sacrificed himself a couple of weeks back.

So, was Bastion born from them or simply their master? We'd imagine an explanation is coming and, given Nimrod's history in the show, time travel will almost certainly be involved.

However, based on how Nimrod has been used in the X-Men's Krakoan era, he may yet be revealed as the bigger bad behind the big bad (he's featured in X-Men '97's opening credits and was in the vision Rogue got when she touched Peter Gyrich. Those may be misdirects, though!

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Who Is [SPOILER]? Everything You Need To Know About X-MEN '97 Surprise New Villain

Today's X-Men '97, titled "Bright Eyes," introduces a deadly new villain who is behind much of what we've seen in the series so far. Now, we're taking a deep dive into their history and what may come next.

5. Who Is Bastion?

4. The Meaning Of OZT

3. He's Played By Theo James

2. Nightcrawler's Killer

1. Ties To Nimrod

X-MEN '97 Showrunner Explains Deadpool's Absence And Shares Intriguing Final "Homework Assignment"

X-MEN '97 Showrunner Talks WHAT IF...? Cameo, Original 5-Season Plan, Hopes To Adapt [SPOILER], And More

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X-MEN '97 Showrunner Talks WHAT IF...? Cameo, Original 5-Season Plan, Hopes To Adapt [SPOILER], And More

X-MEN '97 Showrunner Explains Deadpool's Absence And Shares Intriguing Final "Homework Assignment"

X-MEN Fan-Art Imagines SALTBURN Star Jacob Elordi As Gambit - With A Dark Twist

X-MEN '97 Showrunner Talks WHAT IF...? Cameo, Original 5-Season Plan, Hopes To Adapt [SPOILER], And More

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