The mutant heroes of X-Men ’97 are set to face another grueling chapter, with Marvel promising a second season packed with high stakes, sprawling time-travel narratives, and the rise of one of the X-Men’s most iconic adversaries. Following the critically acclaimed first season, which captivated audiences with its emotional depth and shocking twists, X-Men ’97 season 2 is poised to elevate the team’s struggles on Disney+.
The first season of X-Men ’97 delivered a gut-punch with the destruction of Genosha, a mutant haven, where heroes like Gambit and Rogue sacrificed their lives to stop the Omega Sentinel’s attack. True to X-Men tradition, however, death is rarely final. The season finale teased Gambit’s return as Apocalypse’s henchman, Death, setting up a dramatic arc for the upcoming season.
Marvel Television and Animation head Brad Winderbaum, speaking to EW, confirmed the intense tone of season 2, stating, “It is the same stakes as season 1. I wouldn’t characterize it as a lot of characters die! It’s not Marvel Zombies, but like many great anime shows, like X-Men ’97 season 1, mortality’s on the table and some of these characters want to do what’s right at any cost.” This commitment to high stakes ensures the series will continue to explore the X-Men’s sacrifices in a world that fears them.
Season 2 will spotlight Apocalypse, the ancient mutant whose survivalist philosophy makes him a formidable foe. Winderbaum emphasized, “That tease certainly matters. Apocalypse is a big part of season 2.” The first season’s finale saw the X-Men scattered across time, with some encountering En Sabah Nur, the man who becomes Apocalypse, in ancient Egypt, while others confront him in a distant future. This time-spanning narrative will delve into Apocalypse’s origins, shaped by his abandonment in ancient Egypt and amplified by Celestial technology.
Drawing inspiration from the X-Men comics, particularly Jonathan Hickman’s Krakoa storyline, which normalized mutant resurrections, season 2 is likely to explore themes of mortality and rebirth. The series’ ambitious scope will balance character-driven drama with epic storytelling as the X-Men navigate their fractured timeline and face Apocalypse’s schemes.
Unlike Marvel’s earlier streaming series like WandaVision and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which were designed as limited runs, X-Men ’97 is built for the long haul. Winderbaum noted, “It’s a different time at Disney+. X-Men ’97, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, they’ll come out annually for a number of years.” This shift to a traditional television model ensures the X-Men’s saga will unfold over multiple seasons, offering viewers a sustained journey through their world.
As the X-Men face new challenges, their commitment to doing what’s right—regardless of the cost—remains at the heart of the series. With Apocalypse’s shadow looming large and the team scattered across time, season 2 promises to deliver the same emotional weight and thrilling action that made the first season a standout.
X-Men ’97 season 2 is set to stream on Disney+ in 2026.
Source: EW
