'X-Men '97' Season 2: Potential plot speculations reveal new story arcs for characters
Contains spoilers and speculations for 'X-Men '97'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The first season of 'X-Men ’97' concluded much like its, 'X-Men: The Animated Series' – with a gripping cliffhanger.
Unlike the old show's final season, which left Professor Xavier leaving Earth, possibly to die from injuries in a fight with anti-mutant groups, 'X-Men ’97' won't subject fans to a 27-year wait to discover what unfolds next.
The green light for the second season of 'X-Men ’97' was given in 2022, and the majority of its production is already wrapped up.
Marvel Animation is also gearing up to commence work on a third season. For enthusiasts of the X-Men in animation, it's an exciting time!
Before we get ready for Season 2 of 'X-Men ’97', let's take a look at what the storyline for the new season might entail.
What's the scoop on Season 2 of 'X-Men '97'?
Season 2 of 'X-Men ’97' is all about one word: Apocalypse. After Magneto's base, Asteroid M, gets wiped out in the final episode of Season 1, the X-Men find themselves scattered across three different time periods.
It's not their doing, and Bishop, who knows a thing or two about time travel, confirms it.
So, get ready for Season 2 as it unfolds into three distinct storylines: ancient Egypt, Earth's distant future, and the present day. And if you're familiar with the X-Men comics, you'll see they all lead back to one major villain: Apocalypse.
How does En Sabah Nur transform into Apocalypse?
Rogue, Nightcrawler, Beast, Professor X, and Magento find themselves stranded in ancient times, where they encounter the origin tale of Apocalypse.
This blue-faced villain, who advocates for mutants proving their superiority over humans through rigorous trials, began his immortal existence as an ancient Egyptian, whom the X-Men encounter during their time in his timeline.
Who exactly is Mother Askani?
Cyclops and Jean find themselves 2,000 years ahead in the future, in an era ruled by Apocalypse. This future belongs to Clan Askani, a rebel faction engaged in a relentless struggle against Apocalypse's tyranny.
In the comics, this era is where Baby Cable was sent, with hopes of finding a cure for his techno-organic virus. Cable was seen as a savior figure, destined to defeat Apocalypse.
In the comics, Mother Askani, who incidentally is Scott and Jean's daughter from another timeline, uses her time manipulation powers to bring Cyclops and Jean into the future. There, they raise Cable before returning to their own time.
With Cable making an appearance as a teenager named Nathan, 'X-Men ’97' appears poised to delve into the storyline known as The Adventures of Cyclops and Phoenix.
What's Apocalypse's next move in 'X-Men '97' Season 2?
In the finale of Season 1, we catch up with Apocalypse in the present, hinting at what's to come for characters like Gambit, Emma Frost, and Sebastian Shaw, who died on Genosha.
Apocalypse ominously speaks over a card belonging to Gambit, hinting at his intentions for revenge against humanity for the fall of Genosha. He'll likely resurrect some of the dead as his Four Horsemen.
As the X-Men search for their friends, they'll also have to contend with Apocalypse's schemes. Additionally, there's the issue of Wolverine's bones.
When does 'X-Men '97' Season 2 come out?
Work on the Season 2 finale had commenced by July 2023, and plans for Season 3 were already in the pipeline as of March.
But before kicking off Season 3, Marvel Animation will be on the lookout for a new showrunner, as they've parted ways with writer Beau DeMayo.
Given Disney's usual scheduling for Disney+ shows, it's probable that we'll get to see 'X-Men ’97' Season 2 in 2025.
'X-Men '97' trailer
All episodes of 'X-Men '97' Season 1 are now exclusively streaming on Disney+.