‘X-Men ’97’ Season 2 Gets Release Window as First Look at Apocalypse Debuts

by

Marvel Animation excited fans at New York Comic-Con by revealing the first footage from Season 2 of *X-Men ’97*.

The announcement confirmed the next season of the popular animated series will premiere in Summer 2026. A preview hinted at the arrival of the “Age of Apocalypse,” a well-known story arc from the *X-Men* comics.

The audience at New York Comic Con went wild for the preview of *X-Men ’97*, which has rapidly become one of Marvel’s most popular animated series. While a specific release date hasn’t been revealed yet, the studio has assured fans that production is proceeding as planned.

First look at Apocalypse in ‘X-MEN 97’ Season 2.

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) October 11, 2025

Production for Season 2 started way back in 2022, with Jake Castorena and Chase Conley returning as directors. By 2024, Beau DeMayo had finished writing all the scripts and was already brainstorming ideas for a potential Season 3.

The situation changed dramatically when DeMayo was let go by Marvel Studios just before the show aired. The Hollywood Reporter stated that Marvel conducted an internal investigation which revealed serious issues, ultimately leading to his dismissal.

Even after leaving the show, DeMayo was still permitted to discuss it online. However, he didn’t participate in premieres or promotional events, which was considered strange given his significant contributions. Despite this change, Marvel’s Head of Animation, Brad Winderbaum, reassured fans that the show’s quality and timeline wouldn’t be impacted, and that Season 3 was already in development.

Several months later, DeMayo discussed alterations to his writing for the show. In a September 2024 post, he stated that Marvel cut a planned tenth episode and revised the remaining episodes of the season.

So, I heard about this alternate ending they had planned! Apparently, the story was going to subtly hint at the arrival of Onslaught, and then BAM – a total ‘Age of Apocalypse’ shocker! The final scene they envisioned was Gambit breaking Bishop out of prison while on the run from a villainous Cyclops. It was supposed to feel like that super tense escape sequence at the end of *Rogue One*, you know, that desperate, all-or-nothing vibe.

DeMayo disapproved of the creative choice, stating that the executives seemed to believe they understood comics better than the creators themselves. He also felt Marvel often makes self-destructive decisions.

Actor Ross Marquand, who will be in the next season, says it’s going to be “very, very dark,” warning viewers to expect some surprising and upsetting character deaths and intensely emotional scenes.

I’m so excited for Season 2 of *X-Men ’97*! Now that Apocalypse is coming, it feels like we’re in for one of the biggest and most epic stories Marvel Animation has ever done. I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds!

Read More

2025-10-12 02:44