JuicyTalk
X-Men ’97 season 2 is shaping up to be even bigger than its groundbreaking first season, with a packed roster of returning Marvel favorites and new mutant faces. Early interviews and a major announcement at Disney’s D23 Expo confirmed some characters. However, an exclusive trailer revealed at New York Comic Con confirmed a swathe of additional characters.
These reveals confirm that X-Men ’97 season 2 will dive deeper into the emotional aftermath of Genosha’s tragedy, and the looming threat of Apocalypse. The hit animated series independent of the official MCU timeline revived the beloved 1990s X-Men: The Animated Series. Now, some thrilling and dynamic characters are set to return or debut in the upcoming season 2.
Apocalypse
The ancient mutant Apocalypse returns as a looming villain in X-Men ’97 season 2, having briefly appeared in season 1’s finale. A classic foe from X-Men: The Animated Series, he’s known for his malevolent arrogance and “survival of the fittest” ideology. His reappearance sets up a massive, time period-spanning conflict that threatens both mutant and humankind.
Magneto
Magneto, the Master of Magnetism, was central in X-Men ‘97 season 1, revealed as Xavier’s successor as leader of the X-Men and the mutant school. His rule over Genosha ended in tragedy, setting up his darker evolution, though he is redeemed in the finale’s final moments. A complex antihero since X-Men: TAS, Magneto will likely be torn between revenge and reform.
Rogue
Rogue, the powerhouse Southern belle, suffered immense emotional loss in X-Men ‘97 season 1 after Magneto’s death. A key figure since X-Men: TAS, her strength and flight powers match her fiery personality. Season 2 could follow her emotional recovery before the presumed return of Gambit as a Horseman of Apocalypse.
Cyclops
Scott Summers, the X-Men’s tactical leader, faced turmoil when Jean returned in X-Men ’97 season 1. The season ends with Scott and Jean being transported to the future, where they meet Nathan Summers. This sets up their thrilling confrontation with Apocalypse in the future timeline and offers an origin story for Cable.
Jean Grey
Jean Grey reemerged in X-Men ‘97 season 1 amid a mysterious clone storyline. The point at which she was replaced is still debated, though the best episode of X-Men: TAS offers one likely possibility. Jean was likewise transported into the future, where she met her daughter from another timeline, Rachel Summers.
Wolverine
Wolverine, the gruff fan-favorite, endured a cruel fate at the end of X-Men ’97 when Magneto ripped his adamantium-laced skeleton from his body. The brief glimmer in the season 2 trailer shows Wolverine proudly stating his return, though the precise circumstance around this is unclear. Nevertheless, Logan will presumably be leaping into battle against the formidable Apocalypse.
Storm
Storm was rocked in X-Men ’97 when her powers were cruelly ripped away from her. She spent much of the series regaining her abilities and her confidence. An X-Men: TAS veteran, Storm will presumably resume her prime position among the cast alongside Forge in the present day.
Beast
Beast, the team’s intellectual core, returned in X-Men ’97 season 1 as both scientist and warrior. His calm rationality often grounds the chaos as he explains developments and discoveries. In season 2, he’ll likely play a key role in understanding Apocalypse’s ancient technology and genetic experiments.
Jubilee
Jubilee, the youthful spark of the team, remained a constant presence in X-Men ’97. Her role in X-Men: TAS was as the audience’s conduit, introducing viewers to the mutant world. She played a similar role in X-Men ’97, as a peer mentor for Sunspot. X-Men ’97 allowed for Jubilee to engage in proper battles, a trend that can hopefully continue.
Professor X
Though seemingly lost in space (again) by the end of X-Men ’97 season, Professor X’s return is confirmed for season 2. The season 1 finale saw him connect with Magneto and convince him to halt his assault on humanity. Much of Professor X’s season 2 arc will likely deal with the fallout of this while trying to rebuild mutant-human relations.
