X-Men '97 season 2 is set to hit Disney Plus, following the acclaimed first season that revitalized the legacy of X-Men: The Animated Series. With dynamic action, deep storytelling, and comic-accurate arcs, the series has secured its place as a standout Marvel animated project. While much remains under wraps, production is ongoing, and a third season is already confirmed. Below is a comprehensive overview of the release date, plot expectations, voice cast, and more. Spoilers for season 1 ahead.
X-Men '97 Season 2 Release Date Speculation
Season 2 of X-Men '97 is expected to premiere on Disney Plus in 2026, as announced by Marvel Studios' head of streaming, television, and animation, Brad Winderbaum. This comes after significant production progress, with voice recording reportedly completed. The timeline reflects the intensive demands of animation, though some behind-the-scenes shifts may influence the schedule. No specific release month has been confirmed, but anticipation remains high for this continuation.
X-Men '97 Season 2 Plot
The season 1 finale, Tolerance Is Extinction, left the X-Men fragmented across time after a climactic conflict involving Magneto and Asteroid M. Professor X restores Magneto's psyche, preventing global catastrophe, but several team members—Rogue, Storm, Wolverine, Beast, Nightcrawler, and Magneto—are hurled to ancient Egypt circa 3000 BC, where they meet a young En Sabah Nur, better known as Apocalypse. Meanwhile, Cyclops and Jean Grey find themselves in 3960 AD alongside a teenage Nathan Summers (pre-Cable) and Mother Askani (Rachel Summers in the comics). Back in the present, six months later, Forge is the "last X-Man," teaming up with Bishop to rebuild the team, while Jubilee, Sunspot, and Cable are marked AWOL. A post-credits scene reveals Apocalypse retrieving Gambit's card from the ruins of Genosha, foreshadowing his transformation into one of the Four Horsemen.
Season 2 is poised to explore these divergent timelines, with Apocalypse emerging as a key villain in both past and present. The narrative may pull from The Adventures of Cyclops and Phoenix, focusing on Scott and Jean’s future with Nathan and Mother Askani. Additional influences could include New X-Men by Grant Morrison, particularly themes of recovery after Genosha’s fall, or Astonishing X-Men by Joss Whedon. Brad Winderbaum hinted at the debut of two new "X-teams" alongside the core group. Wolverine’s arc may center on his recovery from losing his adamantium, a pivotal moment from season 1. Former showrunner Beau DeMayo, who wrote much of season 2 before departing, envisioned stories involving X-Corp’s founding on Genosha’s ruins, new militant uniforms, and a looming Onslaught threat culminating in a battle with Avengers, X-Factor, and X-Force. With new head writer Matthew Chauncey steering the project, some elements may shift, though core ideas are expected to persist. A potential Spider-Man cameo has also been teased.
X-Men '97 Season 2 Cast
The voice cast retains much of the season 1 ensemble, blending veterans of X-Men: The Animated Series with newcomers. Neve Campbell joins as Polaris, adding to the roster. The time-displaced storylines may introduce additional voices for younger or alternate characters. Confirmed returning characters include Professor X, Magneto, Cyclops, Nightcrawler, Jean Grey, Wolverine, Rogue, Bishop, Storm, Beast, Forge, Mother Askani/Rachel Summers, Gambit, Danger, Havok, Polaris, Sabretooth, Lady Deathstrike, Warlock, and Apocalypse. The core voice cast includes:
Ray Chase – Scott Summers / Cyclops
Jennifer Hale – Jean Grey / Phoenix
Allison Sealy-Smith – Ororo Munroe / Storm
Cal Dodd – Logan / Wolverine
J.P. Karliak – Morph
Lenore Zann – Rogue
George Buza – Beast
A.J. LoCascio – Remy LeBeau / Gambit
Holly Chou – Jubilee
Isaac Robinson-Smith – Bishop
Matthew Waterson – Magneto
Ross Marquand – Professor Charles Xavier
Adrian Hough – Nightcrawler
Gui Agustini – Roberto da Costa
Chris Potter – Nathan Summers / Cable
Adetokumbosh M'Cormack – En Sabah Nur / Apocalypse
Gates McFadden – Rachel Summers / Mother Askani
X-Men '97 is streaming now on Disney Plus. For more, explore the MCU timeline or revisit classic X-Men comics.
