Premier aired on Disney+ in March 2024, X-Men ’97 has quickly established itself as one of the standout Marvel animated series in recent years. Serving as a direct sequel to the beloved series broadcast from 1992 to 1997, this new take, produced by Marvel Animation, manages to stay true to the original while integrating modern storytelling. Riding high on both critical acclaim and fan enthusiasm, the show will return for a second season in summer 2026, and a third season has already been officially announced.
Created by Beau DeMayo, X-Men ’97 takes viewers back into a universe firmly rooted in the 1990s. The mutants, still led by Professor Xavier, continue their struggle to defend a world that both fears and rejects them. This deliberate connection to the original series allows the show to pick up on key storylines, ideological conflicts, and moral dilemmas that have made the franchise so compelling.
The first season brings back iconic characters such as Cyclops, Jean Grey, Storm, Wolverine, and Jubilee. Facing unprecedented threats and an uncertain, more unstable future than ever, the team is forced to make difficult decisions with far-reaching consequences, in a world where harmony between humans and mutants remains fragile.
From a creative standpoint, the series benefits from a seasoned team. Beau DeMayo handles the writing, while direction is led by Jake Castorena, Chase Conley, and Emi Yonemura. Executive producers include key Marvel Studios figures such as Brad Winderbaum, Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, and Victoria Alonso, ensuring the show remains seamlessly integrated within the broader Marvel universe.
The reception of season 1 confirms the success of this revival. X-Men ’97 has received multiple nominations and accolades, including at the Emmy Awards and the Critics Choice Awards, where it even took home a prize. These honors highlight the series’ ability to honor its legacy while pushing its storytelling boundaries.
The second season, set to premiere in summer 2026 on Disney+, is expected to delve deeper into the fallout from recent events and continue exploring a future for mutants that remains increasingly uncertain. The early renewal for a third season underscores Marvel’s commitment to developing this animated reimagining of the X-Men as an ongoing story.
X-Men ’97
Animated Series | Streaming from 2024
Season 2 expected to arrive on Disney+ in summer 2026
Season 3 already confirmed
Action, Animation, Science Fiction | 30-minute episodes
Created by Beau DeMayo
Featuring Ray Chase, Jennifer Hale, Lenore Zann
Country: United States
With this confirmed sequel, X-Men ’97 cements its position as a cornerstone of modern Marvel animation. By staying true to the spirit of the original series while exploring themes that remain relevant, it continues to bridge nostalgia with contemporary storytelling.
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