'X-Men '97' Season 2 Update: Here's the renewal status of Disney+'s animated series
Warning: Contains spoilers for 'X-Men '97'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Marvel's beloved X-Men have returned with a bang! 'X-Men '97' made its grand comeback on Disney+ on March 20, sparking waves of nostalgia among the '90s fans.
For those who cherished the 1992 animated series, 'X-Men: The Animated Series', revival couldn't be better. This continuation of Marvel's iconic show depicts how the superheroes are carrying on Professor X's legacy.
The original series had 76 episodes spreading over five seasons, making it Marvel's longest-running animated series, just after ‘Spider-Man’. It loosely followed famous ‘X-Men’ stories like the ‘Dark Phoenix Saga’, ‘Days of Future Past’, ‘The Phalanx Covenant’, and ‘The Legacy Virus’.
The show featured Cyclops, Wolverine, Rogue, Storm, Beast, Gambit, Jubilee, Jean Grey, and Professor X. Now, with the return of 'X-Men '97,' the storyline picks up where it left off 27 years ago.
Now that you're enjoying 'X-Men '97', you might be curious about Season 2. Let's dive into everything we know about the possibility of 'X-Men '97' Season 2.
'X-Men '97' Season 2 renewal confirmed ahead of Season 1 premiere
'X-Men '97' Season 2 got the green light even before the first season hit the screens. Although there's no confirmed release date yet, Season 2 is underway, with several voice actors confirming their return to the studio in 2023.
Disney likely approved it early because the series doesn't affect the broader MCU storyline, so there's less worry about it conflicting with the cinematic franchise.
Currently, 'X-Men '97' is receiving excellent reviews with a fresh score of 98% on Rotten Tomatoes.
What could be the plot of 'X-Men '97' Season 2?
Details about the storyline of 'X-Men '97' Season 2 are still under wraps as Season 1 continues airing weekly until May 15, 2024. Like its predecessor, 'X-Men: The Animated Series,' which adapted various Marvel Comics storylines such as the ‘Jean Grey or Phoenix Force saga’, it's expected that Season 2 of 'X-Men '97' will follow a similar path.
While 'X-Men '97' may take some creative liberties, akin to what the MCU does, in adapting Marvel Comics stories, the exact plot of Season 2 will likely depend on how Season 1 concludes.
Who will return to voice their characters in 'X-Men '97' Season 2?
Only three voice actors have confirmed their involvement in 'X-Men '97' Season 2 as early as February 2023 and they're Cal Dodd (Wolverine), Lenore Zann (Rogue), and Lawrence Bayne (X-Cutioner). However, it's likely that most, if not all, of the voice actors from Season 1 will return for the new season.
Many of these actors also worked on 'X-Men: The Animated Series,' with some taking on new roles. For instance, Alyson Court, who previously voiced Jubilee, now voices a different version of the character named Abscissa.
One reason for replacing certain veteran actors, as mentioned by DeMayo in an article reported by Entertainment Weekly, was to ensure authenticity. For example, Holly Chou, an Asian-American actor, now voices Jubilee, reflecting a more authentic portrayal.
Lawrence Bayne, who voiced Cable in the original series, is returning for Season 2. However, Chris Potter, who originally voiced Gambit, has been replaced by newcomer AJ LoCascio, reportedly to better convey certain character dynamics.
Furthermore, Lenore Zann, the actress behind Rogue's voice, revealed that the team has begun work on the next season of 'X-Men '97.' She reposted a tweet on August 14, confirming that the work on 'X-Men '97' Season 2 had started. In the repost, she said, "Heck yeah Sugah! We’ve started - and I think you’re gonna love it."
Heck yeah Sugah! We’ve started - and I think you’re gonna love it 😊👍 https://t.co/ZZeRKihP3w
— Lenore Zann (@ZannLenore) August 14, 2023
How to stream 'X-Men 97'?
'X-Men '97' Season 1 will be exclusively available on Disney+ from March 20 until May 15, 2024.
The streaming service offers a basic package starting at $7.99 per month, featuring advertisements.
For an ad-free experience, viewers can opt for the premium plan priced at $13.99 per month or $139.99 per year.
'X-Men 97' trailer
7 episodes of 'X-Men '97' is now streaming on Disney+