When X-Men '97 returns for its hihgly-anticipated second season, one persistent casting rumor featuring a prominent actress has finally been laid to rest. The first season of the revival was met with near-universal acclaim, brilliantly extending the narrative from the beloved 1990s X-Men: The Animated Series. Production on Season 2, however, hit a major roadblock when Disney and Marvel dismissed head writer and showrunner Beau DeMayo in March 2024, just before Season 1 premiered. DeMayo had already finished scripting the entire second season prior to his exit, yet the leadership change led to extensive rewrites and adjustments by a new creative team to align the episodes with the evolving vision for the series—all while striving to honor its signature tone and emotional stakes.
Before his departure, DeMayo had openly discussed future story directions and even referenced specific casting choices that later sparked widespread online speculation. DeMayo even claimed he had hired Neve Campbell to voice Polaris.
In a recent interview with The Movie Dweeb, Neve Campbell directly addressed speculation about her involvement in X-Men '97. “I have not,” she stated when asked if she had joined the project. “No, I haven’t. That is a rumor, though, isn’t it?” Campbell went on to express enthusiasm for the possibility, noting that she would love to be part of the show. She concluded by remarking, “It’s amazing, the internet, what it can create.”
The rumor first gained traction when a post on X claimed that Campbell was set to portray Polaris in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Former X-Men '97 head writer Beau DeMayo responded to correct the claim, writing, “Incorrect. I cast her as Polaris in Season 2 of X-Men ’97. She does amazing work bringing something new,” and felt it was fitting to have a 90s icon continue Lorna Dane's storyline from where it left off in the original X-Men: The Animated Series episode “Cold Comfort.”
He added that she had some thoughts on Genosha. This response appeared to suggest that Campbell had already been involved in recording or development for the role. However, the actress's clear denial indicates that no such casting took place—or if it did at one point under DeMayo's tenure, it did not proceed.
The confusion highlights how quickly misinformation can spread online, particularly around high-profile projects like X-Men '97, which revives the beloved 1990s animated series with a continuation that has captured widespread praise for its faithful tone, animation style, and storytelling. Polaris, also known as Lorna Dane and the daughter of Magneto, made a brief non-speaking appearance in Season 1 during the events of “Tolerance is Extinction – Part 1.” Her comic backstory includes complex relationships, such as her past with Iceman and a connection to Havok, as well as ties to larger mutant events like those involving Genosha.
Since the conclusion of Season 1 in May 2024, which ended on a dramatic cliffhanger involving the X-Men's future and threats like Sentinels, production on Season 2 has continued amid some behind-the-scenes changes, including the departure of DeMayo. The series remains a standout in Marvel Animation, earning critical acclaim and strong viewership on Disney+.
X-Men '97 Season 2 is scheduled to premiere in summer 2026 on Disney+, with the show also renewed for a third season. While no exact date has been announced, the window follows ongoing production and teases the return of major elements, including the villain Apocalypse and time-scattered X-Men storylines. Fans can expect the series to continue building on its legacy while delivering the high-stakes mutant adventures that made the original a classic. (Word count: 528)
