Marvel Studios Executive Provides Update on the Company’s Top Show: ‘We’re Working On It Now’

X-Men ‘97: A Revival Worth the Wait

The series has garnered widespread acclaim for its successful integration of classic and contemporary themes.
While fans are excited for the next season, they’ll have to wait until 2026 for its release.
Despite the lengthy wait, X-Men ‘97 retains a robust fan following and possesses significant potential to expand its audience reach.

The much-anticipated X-Men ‘97 serves as a revival of the beloved X-Men: The Animated Series, and it has a monumental legacy to uphold as its spiritual successor. Initially met with some skepticism, the series quickly won over audiences and critics upon its release on Disney+.It not only met modern aesthetic expectations but also excelled at intertwining nostalgic and contemporary elements within the Marvel animation landscape. From its updated character designs to its sophisticated narrative approach, the show resonates well with a mature audience. This successful blend of old and new has resulted in its renewal for a third season, a decision that delighted dedicated fans of the franchise.

As far back as August of last year, fans received promising updates regarding the second season. However, recent remarks by Marvel Studios’ Head of Streaming, Television, and Animation, Brad Winderbaum, have introduced an unexpected twist. In an interview with Steve Weintraub from Collider, Winderbaum shared, “Season 2 of X-Men ‘97 is going to be in ‘26. We’re working on it now. It’s exciting, ” adding a nostalgic note about his personal connection to the world of 90s Marvel animation.“So, the fact that we get to play in that universe with those actors is honestly why I went into this business in the first place, ” he stated.

While Winderbaum’s enthusiasm is commendable, the impatience among fans regarding the 2026 release schedule is palpable. Many expected the next season to arrive sooner, with hopes for a 2025 debut fueled by the series’ early renewal and consistent fan acclaim. Confirming that it won’t premiere this year was a disappointment for many, especially amid rumors of production changes following the exit of former showrunner Beau DeMayo. Nevertheless, X-Men ‘97 enjoys considerable goodwill from its audience, having established itself as a worthy successor to one of the greatest superhero animated series of all time.

The current entertainment landscape, dominated by live-action adaptations and superhero narratives, offers X-Men ‘97 an excellent opportunity for cultural relevance and audience engagement as more viewers are eager to rediscover animated superhero stories. This revival comes at a crucial time, suggesting a promising future for the series.

The forthcoming season has the potential to further elevate the standards set by its predecessor in storytelling, character development, and honoring fan favorites. With the right approach, despite changes behind the scenes, the anticipated second season promises to fulfill viewer expectations. While fans may need to exercise patience, it’s imperative that the final product justifies the wait when it finally debuts in 2026.

X-Men ‘97 is currently available for streaming on Disney+, with the much-anticipated second season slated for a 2026 premiere.

Source: Collider

Source & Images