Advertisement
In “X-Men ’97,” the introduction of its main villain, Bastion, marks a significant turning point in the series. Voiced by Theo James, known for his role in “The Gentlemen,” Bastion emerges as a dangerous and powerful adversary, overshadowing even established villains like Mister Sinister.
In episode 7, titled “Bright Eyes,” Bastion’s true agenda is revealed as he masterminds the massacre on Genosha, manipulating events behind the scenes. With advanced technology that surpasses Earth’s current capabilities, Bastion has orchestrated Magneto’s capture and holds him prisoner, demonstrating his control over even the most formidable mutants.
So, who exactly is Bastion in the world of X-Men comics, and how does he fit into “X-Men ’97”? In the comics, Bastion is a human/Sentinel hybrid, born from the merging of Master Mold and Nimrod, a powerful Sentinel from a dystopian future. Following his transformation, Bastion, also known as Sebastion Gilberti, retains his deep-seated hatred for mutants and rises to power as the leader of Operation: Zero Tolerance (OZT).
Under Bastion’s command, OZT becomes a significant threat to mutantkind, utilizing Prime Sentinels – humans enhanced with nanotechnology. This introduction of Prime Sentinels in “Bright Eyes” sets the stage for Bastion’s larger plans, showcasing his formidable capabilities both politically and technologically.
As the final boss of “X-Men ’97” season 1, Bastion poses a significant challenge to the mutant team, both on a personal and societal level. His cybernetic enhancements and political influence make him a formidable adversary, ensuring that the stakes are high for the X-Men.
With Theo James lending his voice to the character, Bastion’s presence becomes even more menacing, hinting at the possibility of future appearances or adaptations in live-action media. As “X-Men ’97” continues to explore the rich mythology of the X-Men universe, Bastion’s role as the primary antagonist adds depth and complexity to the series, keeping viewers eagerly anticipating each new episode.