X-Men ‘97 has made a lot of jaws drop, not just with its stunning visuals but with its great storytelling. Every episode features major twists and turns that perfectly capture viewers’ interest, both old and new, with critics calling it “Marvel’s best release in years.” With its ability to stick to the original X-Men: The Animated Series’ plotline, not to mention capitalizing on major nostalgia and tackling today’s issues, many are saying it deserves an Emmy nomination. True enough, the sequel has secured a major Emmy Awards 2024 nomination for Outstanding Animation Program for Episode 5, Remember It.
The Television Academy has just released its full list of nominees for the upcoming Emmy Awards 2024. In the Outstanding Animation Program category, X-Men ‘97 will compete against Netflix’s Blue Eye Samurai, Fox’s Bob’s Burgers and The Simpsons, and Max’s Scavengers Reign.
Episode 5 of X-Men '97 is considered the best of the series, showcasing a superb execution of the Genosha massacre. It depicts Magneto, Rogue, and Gambit defending their fellow mutants from the Sentinels, risking their lives for the mutant nation. The episode culminates with the shocking death of Gambit, who sacrifices himself by blowing up a Prime Sentinel to stop the attack.
Showrunner Beau DeMayo Reacts to X-Men ‘97 Emmy Nomination
Meanwhile, showrunner Beau DeMayo has quickly shared his reaction to the X-Men ‘97 Emmy nomination in a post on X. Though still in disbelief, the creator felt honored that the show had been nominated. In fact, if he told his younger self that that series he created would be up for an Emmy, he said he would laugh about it.
“Could not be more honored, and in disbelief. If you would’ve told 10-year-old Beau that the #XMen97 show he created would be up for an Emmy, he would’ve laughed,” he tweeted. Thank you #Emmys.”
He also shared a clip of Storm celebrating as she took the skies when she regained her powers in Episode 6, Lifedeath – Part 2. “Me right now,” he captioned his post.
X-Men ‘97 Seasons 2 and 3 Are Now in The Works
X-Men ‘97 has received an early season renewal, with the show continuing until the third season. The second season is now deep in production, and director Jake Castorena told ComicBook’s Phase Zero podcast that they’re taking their time to create the series, likening it to “baking a cake” to achieve the perfect recipe.
“I equate it like, 'We're baking a cake right now.' Nobody wants to ruin a cake. I don't want to ruin a cake. Let us bake it,” he said. “The cake is well underway and being made, being fabricated as we speak.”
Alternatively, the third season has its new head writer, the What If…? scribe Matthew Chauncey. According to Deadline, the scripts for the second season are revised to align with the direction Chauncey will take in the third season to connect their stories. Season 3 is also said to be in active development.
After many predict that X-Men ‘97 will receive an Emmy nomination, experts claim that the series will win the Outstanding Animation Program. With the heaps of praise Episode 5 alone receives, it looks like this isn’t far from happening.
All episodes of X-Men ‘97 are available on Disney+.
