X-Men ’97 stars, the creator of Sentry, and the Magic: The Gathering team on Spider-Man! Get the inside scoop from SDCC 2025.
San Diego Comic-Con 2025 brought together an incredible roster of talent, and we had the chance to sit down with some of the biggest names in comics and entertainment. From the beloved return of X-Men ’97 to the cinematic debut of a powerful anti-hero and a groundbreaking Magic: The Gathering collaboration, the conversations were as dynamic as the characters themselves.
A.J. LoCascio & Isaac Robinson-Smith: Mutants, Marvel, and Nostalgia
The energy around Marvel’s X-Men ’97 was electric, and we spoke with Isaac Robinson-Smith (the voice of Bishop) and A.J. LoCascio (the voice of Gambit) about what it’s like to step into such iconic roles. For both actors, the experience was a mix of immense responsibility and pure joy. Robinson shared how the cast—a blend of returning veterans and newcomers—came together as a unified force, all driven by a shared love for the original series. “We all kind of feel it as a unit,” he said, recalling the roar of the crowd at the premiere when the iconic theme song began. “Once the theme song started and there was cheering, I was like, okay, we got it. Like, we’re okay.”
LoCascio, who also promoted his new children’s book Spoops: the Little Spirits of Halloween, spoke about the surreal experience of going from being a fan to an integral part of the X-Men legacy. He noted that he and Robinson, along with other cast members, have a WhatsApp chain to stay in touch, proving that the camaraderie of the team extends beyond the recording booth. LoCascio’s own history as a fan, including dressing up as Gambit in college, highlights the passion that the new generation of actors brings to the show.
Paul Jenkins: Sentry’s Cinematic Leap
The conversation shifted to the big screen with legendary comic creator Paul Jenkins, the mind behind The Sentry. Jenkins, who consulted on the new Thunderbolts* film, shared his excitement about seeing his character come to life. He spoke about how the film’s creative team, including director Jake Schreier and actor Lewis Pullman, prioritized the core of the character: Bob Reynolds’ struggles with mental health. Jenkins was particularly moved by how the film captured the nuanced relationship between Bob, the heroic Sentry, and the dark, malevolent Void.
“All of us are Bob in different ways,” Jenkins reflected, highlighting the character’s relatability. He recounted a touching conversation with Pullman after the premiere, where the actor expressed a deep desire to understand the character, even asking for Jenkins’ phone number to continue the conversation. This dedication, Jenkins believes, is what made the film’s portrayal of Sentry so authentic and impactful.
Magic: The Gathering Meets the Web-Slinger
We also caught up with Mark Rosewater and Sarah Wassell from Magic: The Gathering to discuss their highly anticipated Amazing Spider-Man set. Rosewater, who grew up a massive Marvel fan, described this collaboration as a “dream job” and a chance to finally be a “subject matter expert” on a property that is “my thing.” Wassell added that the team felt a serious weight of history, knowing they had to do justice to the characters.
The team’s dedication to authenticity is evident in the art. They set a goal to have 50% of the art done by original Marvel comic artists, but they ended up hitting an astounding 70-80%. The new set also aims to bring new players into the Magic community, using the universal appeal of Spider-Man to draw in fans. Rosewater and Wassell emphasized the joy of a game that can be passed down through generations, making it a perfect fit for a character like Spider-Man, whose legacy spans decades.
SDCC 2025 was a testament to the enduring power of comics and the passion of the creators who bring these worlds to life. Whether through the voices of classic heroes or the nuanced stories of new ones, the message was clear: these characters continue to resonate deeply with fans old and new.
Be sure to watch our full round-up of comic book related interviews from San Diego Comic-Con 2025 for more behind-the-scenes details and teases of upcoming projects!
NEXT: Rob Reiner on Spinal Tap’s Return and a Wild Bruce Willis Story | SDCC 2025
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.