On October 31st, 1992, X-Men: The Animated Series premiered its first episode on national television. The show gained popularity and became one of the most popular superhero animated shows in history. The show became the pilot project for what would eventually become a new era of Marvel animated projects in the 90s, producing multiple animated projects like Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, and Iron Man. X-Men: The Animated Series would be the longest-running series amongst all the other animated Marvel projects of the time, airing five seasons with a total of 76 episodes over five years. In 1997, the show aired its final episode, with a dying Charles Xavier declaring himself proud of his X-Men as he is taken away by Lilandra of the Shi’Ar to be cured while the X-Men and Magneto look on. Now, almost 30 years since the show’s final episode aired, a revival of the project will premiere on Disney+. When it releases, X-Men ’97 will continue the story left unfinished.
During the Disney+ Day event in November 2021, Marvel Studios announced a number of Disney+-related projects, including the revival of X-Men: The Animated Series titled X-Men ’97. This brand-new show is set to continue the story of The Animated Series, with an updated animation style that remains loyal to the designs of the original series, while giving the characters an updated and modern move and feel.
The animation style can be best compared to the animated series “Archer.” Since then, much of what we know has been relegated by the X-Men ’97 team at press events, featuring teases of the X-Men fighting Sentinels and first looks at the team in action. Many fans have been waiting excitedly for any news about this highly anticipated new show, and we’re happy to be able to provide an update on when X-Men ’97 is set to hit Disney+!
X-Men ’97 season 1 will premiere in early Spring 2024
Our sources have confirmed that Marvel Studios has decided on a spring release window for this new Marvel/Disney+ series. Our sources have told us that X-Men ’97 season 1 will premiere in mid to late March 2024. The show is confirmed to have ten episodes releasing for the first season.
What we know about X-Men ’97
In X-Men ’97, fans can expect the new animated series to explore more of the 90s timeline of the original series, featuring beloved characters from the original team, such as Cyclops, Jean Grey, Wolverine, Jubilee, Storm, Rogue, Gambit, and Beast.
Fans can also expect to see the return of Magneto, who will now lead the X-Men after a certain circumstance puts him in charge (for now). The show will also introduce new mutants into the array, including Cable, Bishop, Forge, Morph, Sunspot and Nightcrawler. Some antagonists the X-Men will face include the Hellfire Club, led by Emma Frost and Sebastian Shaw, and Mr. Sinister and Bolivar Trask.
X-MEN ’97: Character Designs Then and Now
Joining the voice cast of X-Men’ 97 are members of the original cast from The Animated Series, as well as some new talents:
- Ray Chase as Cyclops
- Catherine Disher as Jean Grey
- Alison Sealy-Smith as Storm
- Cal Dodd as Wolverine
- Chris Potter as Gambit
- Lenore Zann as Rogue
- George Buza as Beast
- Holly Chou as Jubilee
- Adrian Hough as Nightcrawler
- Christopher Britton as Mr. Sinister
- Matthew Waterson as Magneto
- Gui Agustini as Sunspot
Beau DeMayo is the show’s Head Writer and Executive producer, and Jake Castorena and Chase Conley direct. (Update: Read Anthony’s review for the 2 episode premiere of X-Men ’97 here!)
Are you excited for the return of the X-Men? Are you planning to watch this on Disney+? Let us know what you think on X @mycosmiccircus or on The Cosmic Circus Discord!
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