The internet has been buzzing for months about Neve Campbell joining the world of Marvel mutants. Rumors started late last year claiming the Scream 7 star would voice the character Polaris in the second season of the hit Disney+ animated series X-Men ’97. Even the show’s original creator seemed to confirm it. But now, with her new horror movie hitting theaters this weekend, Campbell is setting the record straight, and the news is surprising everyone who thought they had the casting figured out.
The X-Men ’97 casting rumor first began in May 2025 when a well-known online scooper reported that Campbell had been cast as Polaris. Initially, many believed she would play the daughter of Magneto in a live-action Marvel movie. However, Beau DeMayo, the creator and former showrunner of X-Men ’97, quickly jumped on social media to correct that report. He stated clearly that he had cast her for the animated series, not a live-action film. This seemed like a done deal to fans, especially since DeMayo praised Campbell as a “90s icon” perfect for the role.
But now, almost a year later, the actress herself is speaking out, and her words have thrown the entire situation into doubt just as X-Men ’97 Season 2 prepares for its 2026 release.
The Big Denial: What Neve Campbell Actually Said
In a recent interview to promote the opening of Scream 7, Neve Campbell was asked directly about her involvement with the Marvel animated series. According to a report by The Movie Dweeb, the question was simple: had she joined the cast of X-Men ’97?
Campbell’s answer was short and direct. “No,” she said firmly. She then added, almost amused by the confusion, “That is the rumor though… right?” .
When asked if she would even be interested in playing a character like Polaris, Campbell kept the door open. “Sure, of course. Why not? Wouldn’t that be fun?” she said. She also commented on the nature of online rumors, noting, “It’s amazing, the internet, what it can create.” .
This statement directly contradicts what Beau DeMayo posted on social media back in May 2025. At that time, DeMayo was very specific. He wrote, “Incorrect. I cast her as Polaris in Season 2 of #xmen97. She does amazing work bringing something new, and felt right to have a 90s icon pick up where Lorna’s story was left in ‘Cold Comfort.’ She’s got some thoughts on Genosha.” .
How Did This Confusion Start?
To understand why this rumor got so big, it helps to look back at how it started. The rumor chain began with a scoop from an account called MyTimeToShineHello. This account initially claimed that Neve Campbell was joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe to play Polaris in an upcoming live-action X-Men movie .
That news spread fast. Shortly after, outlets like ComicBookMovie reported that while the live-action part wasn’t true, the voice role for X-Men ’97 was accurate . When Beau DeMayo stepped in to confirm the voice casting, it seemed like the mystery was solved. For fans, having the creator of the show confirm a casting is usually as good as an official announcement from Marvel or Disney.
However, there is a catch here. Beau DeMayo was fired from X-Men ’97 right around the time the first season premiered in March 2024 . While he wrote the first two seasons, he is no longer with the project. This means that even if he did cast Campbell when he was in charge, things could have changed after his departure. Marvel Studios and Disney+ have never officially announced Campbell as part of the voice cast.
What This Means for X-Men ’97 Season 2
So, where does this leave the second season of the popular animated series? X-Men ’97 Season 2 is still happening and is scheduled to premiere sometime in 2026 . Marvel’s Brad Winderbaum recently confirmed the show is on track for this year, stating they are working on it now .
The confusion surrounding Neve Campbell means one of two things is likely happening. Either Campbell is under a strict non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and cannot talk about her role, so she is playing dumb in interviews. This is common in the Marvel world, where actors often deny things until an official trailer drops.
Or, the second and equally possible option is that plans changed. After Beau DeMayo left the show, the creative team for Season 2 might have gone in a different direction. Voice actors are sometimes recast during production, especially when there are behind-the-scenes changes in leadership. If Campbell was never officially under contract, or if her deal was never finalized after DeMayo’s exit, then she might not be in the show at all.
Who is Polaris and Why Does This Role Matter?
For those who may not know, Polaris, whose real name is Lorna Dane, is a significant character in X-Men lore. She is the daughter of Magneto, the Master of Magnetism . This means she shares her father’s ability to control magnetic fields. In the comics, she has been a member of the X-Men, X-Factor, and has strong ties to the mutant nation of Genosha.
Beau DeMayo’s mention of “thoughts on Genosha” was exciting for hardcore fans because Genosha was destroyed in a massive attack during the first season of X-Men ’97, a tragedy that killed millions of mutants, including the fan-favorite character Gambit . If Polaris were to appear, her connection to Magneto and her feelings about the destruction of Genosha would create powerful drama.
In the original 90s cartoon, Polaris only appeared in a couple of episodes. She had left the X-Men to try and live a normal life with Iceman. Bringing her back in Season 2 would be a way to continue that old storyline while tying it into the new, darker world of the revival series.
The Timing with Scream 7
Part of the reason this story is getting so much attention right now is the release of Scream 7. The film opens in theaters this weekend, on February 27, 2026 in the United States and worldwide .
Neve Campbell is returning as her iconic character Sidney Prescott. This return is a big deal for horror fans because Campbell sat out the previous film, Scream VI, due to a salary dispute. Her comeback in Scream 7 has put her firmly in the spotlight.
Kevin Williamson, the original writer of the first Scream, directed this seventh installment. The movie introduces new characters while bringing back familiar faces like Courteney Cox as Gale Weathers. The plot follows Sidney, who has built a quiet new life, only to have her daughter targeted by a new Ghostface killer .
With all this media attention on Campbell, it is natural that journalists are asking her about every project, including the Marvel rumors.
Also Read:
The Verdict: Rumor or Reality?
For now, readers should take the news of Neve Campbell in X-Men ’97 with a big grain of salt. While the former showrunner said he cast her, the actress herself says she is not involved.
There are three possible outcomes here:
- She is in it and lying to keep the surprise. This is the most common practice for superhero projects. If this is the case, fans might hear an official confirmation when Marvel releases a trailer for Season 2 later this year.
- She was in it, but got cut or recast. Due to the showrunner change, her scenes or role might have been removed during production.
- Beau DeMayo was mistaken or jumping the gun. It is possible he intended to cast her, talked about it publicly, but the deal never actually went through with the studio.
Until Marvel Studios or Disney+ puts out an official cast list with Campbell’s name on it, the safest bet is to trust what the actress says right now: she is not part of the X-Men ’97 cast.
This weekend, fans can catch Neve Campbell back in horror mode with Scream 7 in theaters everywhere. As for her potential jump into animation, it looks like we will all have to wait for an official trailer or announcement from Marvel to know for sure if Magneto’s daughter will sound like the scream queen.
