X-Men ’97 Fans Hit With Great News At NYCC Panel; Show Already Renewed For Third Season

In an era saturated with reboots and revivals, few have captured the hearts of fans as successfully as X-Men ’97. The Disney+ series, a direct continuation of the beloved 1990s X-Men: The Animated Series, became an instant critical and commercial success upon its debut. Now, in a massive vote of confidence, Marvel has officially announced an X-Men ’97 Season 3 renewal, even before the second season has a firm release date.

This exciting news, revealed at New York Comic Con, has electrified the fanbase and solidified the show’s status as a cornerstone of Marvel Animation. We’ll break down the details of the announcement, recap the phenomenal success of Season 1, and explore what fans can expect from the future of this landmark series.

A Staggering Success Story

When X-Men ’97 premiered in March 2024, it did more than just cater to nostalgia. It delivered a sophisticated, emotionally resonant story that honored its source material while pushing its characters in bold new directions. The show masterfully continued the complex storylines left dangling in 1997, from the X-Men grappling with the loss of Professor X to Magneto’s surprising turn as their new leader.

The first season was praised for its mature themes, intricate character arcs, and stunning animation that updated the classic style for a modern audience. It tackled difficult subjects, including prejudice, sacrifice, and the moral complexities of heroism, resonating with both long-time fans and a new generation of viewers. The overwhelming positive reception made a second season a certainty, but the early renewal for a third is a testament to the show’s incredible performance and Marvel’s long-term vision for the series.

What Happened in Season 1?

To understand the excitement for the upcoming seasons, it’s essential to remember the massive cliffhanger that Season 1 left us on. After a devastating battle against Bastion, a powerful human-Sentinel hybrid, the X-Mansion was destroyed, and the team was scattered across time.

The final moments of the season finale, “Tolerance is Extinction – Part 3,” revealed the team’s dire circumstances:

• Cyclops and Jean Grey are stranded in the far future (3960 A.D.) with a young Nathan Summers (the future Cable).
• Rogue, Beast, Nightcrawler, Professor X, and Magneto are lost in ancient Egypt (3000 B.C.), where they come face-to-face with En Sabah Nur, the man who will become the supervillain Apocalypse.
• Wolverine, left grievously wounded after Magneto ripped the adamantium from his skeleton, remains in the present day with the other surviving mutants.
• Gambit tragically sacrificed himself to destroy Bastion, though a post-credit scene hinted that a version of him may still exist as one of Apocalypse’s Horsemen.

This time-spanning cliffhanger set the stage for an epic Season 2, promising to explore some of the most iconic storylines from the X-Men comics.

What to Expect from Seasons 2 and 3

During the New York Comic Con panel, a trailer for Season 2 was shown exclusively to attendees. The footage confirmed that the season will focus on the scattered X-Men trying to find their way back to their own time while dealing with the threats of their new environments. The return of the formidable villain Apocalypse was a major highlight, suggesting a direct confrontation with the X-Men in ancient Egypt.

Season 2 is officially slated for a Summer 2026 release. While details about the X-Men ’97 Season 3 renewal are still under wraps, the early green light ensures that the creative team can craft a long-form, cohesive narrative that spans multiple seasons. This is particularly important given the change in leadership behind the scenes. Original head writer Beau DeMayo, who completed his work on Season 2, was dismissed from the project before Season 1 aired. Matthew Chauncey, known for his work on Marvel’s What If…?, has been tapped to write Season 3.

This early renewal gives Chauncey and the team the stability to build upon the foundations laid in the first two seasons, potentially weaving in even more classic comic book arcs. Fans are already speculating about the possibilities, from the “Age of Apocalypse” to the “Onslaught” saga.

The Future of the Animated Universe is Bright

The success of X-Men ’97 has revitalized Marvel Animation and proven that there is a strong appetite for serialized, character-driven storytelling. The decision to renew the show for a third season so far in advance signals a deep commitment from Disney and Marvel to this corner of their universe. It allows the writers and animators to plan complex, multi-season arcs without the uncertainty of cancellation looming over their heads.

For fans, this news is the best they could have hoped for. The continuation of this beloved series is not just a short-lived revival but a long-term project. The legacy of X-Men: The Animated Series is in good hands, and the adventures of our favorite mutants are far from over. As we eagerly await Season 2 in 2026, we can rest assured that the future of X-Men ’97 is secure.