JP Karliak Talks Bringing Marvel’s First Non-Binary Lead Mutant, Morph, to Life in X-Men ’97
As mega-fans of the original X-Men animated series, we couldn't have been more excited for X-Men '97 on Disney+, picking up the story right where the classic left off. It's no exaggeration to say it's exceeded all of our expectations.
The series is as action-packed and emotional as it is tons of fun, celebrating nostalgia while also paving a new path with its own wonderful identity. We love its new interpretations of the character, too, and that definitely includes a novel take on the shapeshifter Morph, Marvel's first non-binary lead mutant. The character is voiced by genderqueer actor JP Karliak, a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and activist whose work goes way beyond the screen. We had the pleasure of chatting with him about acting, bringing life to Morph and what it means to him to have two more seasons of X-Men '97 on the way. Read the full interview below.
Sweety High: When did you discover your passion for acting and voice work? Was there any specific a-ha moment that made you realize it was the path for you?
JP Karliak: I was always in love with cartoons, and Aladdin was the first project I watched where I remember having an awareness that real people were doing those voices. I loved Robin Williams' performance, and knew I wanted to do that. I was bitten many times by the acting bug, but I remember Missoula Children's Theatre came to my hometown and put on a traveling production of Pinnochio. I played the fox. I ate every inch of that scenery and was hooked.
(Photo credit: Tommy Flanagan)
SH: What would you say was your first big break?
JPK: I've had many over the years, each one opening up a different door and taking me to a new level of achievement. I'd say Marvel Mash-ups (a parody interstitial show of recut old Marvel cartoons on DisneyXD) was the first professional gig where I felt I was "in the room." But Wile E. Coyote in New Looney Tunes was the gig that I could sense people were starting to take notice of what I could do.
SH: Were you a fan of the X-Men and Marvel before you were cast in X-Men '97? What has it meant to you to join such a beloved and historic franchise?
JPK: Yes and no. I was a big fan of the movies, but didn't really watch the original series when it was on. But I've loved these characters and the meaning behind them for such a long time. And to get to play Morph, the first Marvel non-binary superhero on TV… it's hard not to feel some sense of responsibility and humility to be entrusted with something of that magnitude, especially hearing from fans what he means to them.
(Photo credit: Tommy Flanagan)
Also read about: This X-Men Cartoon Is Better Than the Movies—Here's Where to Watch
SH: Did you revisit the original X-Men animated series in developing your own take on Morph, or essentially start from scratch with him?
JPK: Yes, I did watch all of his episodes. But the voice (except the laugh) is essentially mine. I was really more looking at what his character arc was and what his motivations might be and where we find him when this series picks up.
SH: As a genderqueer actor, has it been meaningful to you to bring Morph, a character who might today identify as nonbinary, to the screen? In what ways might you relate to Morph?
JPK: It's been hugely meaningful, especially imagining how I might have felt seeing this character in my youth. How it would have made me feel seen and given me a better understanding of who I am and how to describe myself. I relate to him in numerous ways, but especially using humor to hide a deeper pain within. I think that's a universal experience, but also a very queer one. As the founder of Queer Vox (the non-profit academy and community for LGBTQIA+ voice actors), this role is one example of what my organization advocates for: authentic casting of queer actors, not only to provide visibility and inspiration for a queer audience, but also to provide working opportunities for an oft-overlooked group of talent, especially trans and gender nonconforming actors.
(Photo credit: Tommy Flanagan)
SH: Do you have a favorite memory from the creation of the series so far?
JPK: The premiere—meeting the cast in person and starting down the road of building this bond of a little family we now have. We hadn't really done that beforehand, all just recording individually, barely knowing who else was playing who. And meeting the OG cast has been such a treat, getting to hear how all of this was for them before.
Also read about: Avianna Mynhier on Playing Maxx in the New Series Blue Ridge
SH: Do you know anything about what might be coming in the upcoming second and third seasons?
JPK: Of course I do! But I can't say anything! They'd kill me! I'll just say it's a lot more of the brilliant, surprising, breakneck-speed storytelling fans have loved in this first season.
SH: Where else can we see your work right now?
JPK: A bunch of places, but the latest includes playing the Green Goblin in Spidey and His Amazing Friends on the Disney Channel/Disney+ as well as Dale Dimmadome in the new series Fairly Oddparents: A New Wish. My website and Instagram always have news of what I'm currently doing and what I've done. Aside from voiceover, you can check out what we're doing at Queer Vox @queervoxacademy. And, my other non-profit, NerdsVote (bringing voter registration opportunities to gamers, con-goers, cosplayers, comic book readers, and pop culture fans of all kinds), can be found @nerdsvote.
(Photo credit: Tommy Flanagan)
Also read about: Parish Actor Caleb Baumann on Playing Maddox and Working With Giancarlo Esposito
SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
JPK: Speaking of NerdsVote: get registered and vote! In every election. The local ones can make more of a difference to your daily lives than the big national ones, so don't sleep on 'em!
For more insights from our favorite actors, click HERE to read our interview with Naledi Murray on playing Wendy in Netflix's Sweet Tooth.