Fans of the hit animated series X-Men ’97 can relax. Marvel has confirmed that the entire original core creative team and cast will return for Season 2, ensuring the show’s successful style continues. The announcement was made at New York Comic Con, where a new trailer revealed that the ancient mutant Apocalypse will play a major role when the season arrives in Summer 2026.
The Original Team Returns
Marvel Television boss Brad Winderbaum has assured fans that the show’s creative direction remains consistent. He confirmed that Season 2 will feature the same director, producers, cast, and many of the same writers from the first season. This continuity aims to preserve the show’s beloved tone and style.
The original creators of X-Men: The Animated Series, Eric and Julia Lewald, along with original director Larry Houston, are also heavily involved. Winderbaum stated that they are frequently on-site, reviewing material and consulting with the artists to ensure the new season feels like a worthy successor. He emphasized the team’s unified vision, saying, “One thing that makes X-Men ’97 work so well is that everybody’s rowing in exactly the same direction. Everyone that works on the show knows that original series inside and out.”
A Look at the Season 2 Trailer
A trailer shown at New York Comic Con offered exciting glimpses into the new season. It picks up after the Season 1 finale, which scattered the X-Men across different time periods. The preview confirms that the iconic villain Apocalypse will be a central antagonist. It also teased the potential return of Gambit, who might be resurrected as one of Apocalypse’s Horsemen.
The trailer showed new developments for several characters. Cyclops and Jean Grey are seen in the far future wearing costumes inspired by the New X-Men comics. In the present day, Wolverine and Morph appear to have formed an unexpected alliance with former foes Sabretooth and Lady Deathstrike. The preview also introduced new team dynamics, with the arrival of Polaris and the government-sponsored X-Factor team.
What’s Next for the X-Men?
The story will continue the complex threads left by Season 1’s finale. Several X-Men, including Rogue, Storm, Wolverine, and Magneto, were stranded in ancient Egypt around 3000 BC. Meanwhile, Cyclops and Jean Grey are raising a young Nathan Summers in the far future with Rachel Summers. Back in the present, Forge and Bishop are tasked with rebuilding the team.
Brad Winderbaum confirmed that Apocalypse is a “big part of Season 2.” The post-credits scene from Season 1, which showed Apocalypse unearthing Gambit’s playing card from the ruins of Genosha, hinted that the fan-favorite character may return in a new, darker form.
Confirmed for a Third Season
Even before its second season premieres, X-Men ’97 has been officially renewed for a third season. This early renewal signals strong confidence from Marvel in the animated series’ continued success. The first season was a major critical hit for Marvel Studios Animation, receiving a 99% score on Rotten Tomatoes and earning an Emmy nomination.
The show’s future continues to be guided by the original vision, despite the departure of original showrunner Beau DeMayo. Marvel has stated that many of his ideas were incorporated into the second season, with new showrunner Matthew Chauncey taking the helm.
Also Read: Famke Janssen Responds to X-Men Co-Stars Returning Without Her in New Avengers Film
