X-Men ’97, which picks up where the iconic X-Men: The Animated Series left off, is here. After a long wait, the highly anticipated sequel wowed fans with its first two episodes in its arrival on Disney Plus, combining elements from the original 1990s series with slight modern touches.
The animated show, which feels like a time machine back to the 90s, is Marvel Studios’ first universally acclaimed project in what feels like forever. It’s currently sitting at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, proving that the MCU can still call on “it” whenever the situation calls. But perhaps because it’s a callback to the animated shows of old, each episode ends on a cliffhanger. Older audiences will remember the days when they’ll talk about the last episode for at least a week, theorizing about what will happen next. X-Men ’97 has somehow captured that very same feeling. The only difference is the conversations are happening real-time across multiple continents all over the internet.
It’s been days since the first two episodes of X-Men ’97 premiered and people still can’t get over it. With a total of 10 episodes slated for Season 1, expect this trend to continue for the foreseeable future. For now, you may want to circle your calendars on the following days for the release schedule for X-Men ’97 Season 1:
- Episode 3 will premiere on March 27.
- Episode 4 on April 3.
- Episode 5 on April 10.
- Episode 6 on April 17.
- Episode 7 on April 24.
- Episode 8 on May 1.
- Episode 9 on May 8.
- Episode 10, concluding Season 1, on May 15.
Audiences can expect new episodes to be released weekly on Wednesdays at 3:00 AM Eastern Time (ET), with a total of 10 episodes slated for Season 1. For viewers in the UK, episodes will be available from 7:00 AM GMT, allowing fans to experience the X-Men’s journey as they navigate the challenges following the tragic death of their leader, Professor Charles Xavier.
The launch of X-Men ’97 to Disney Plus is a significant moment for both long-time fans and newcomers. Marvel Animation and Disney Plus have provided a unique opportunity for fans to re-engage with the classic characters and storylines, while also introducing new elements and deeper narratives. The decision to release new episodes weekly on Wednesdays allows viewers to savor each installment. As previously mentioned, it’s reminiscent of the original Saturday morning cartoon experience.
Years after officially acquiring the rights to the X-Men following the mega-merger with FOX, Marvel Studios is finally expanding its engagement with the X-Men universe. X-Men ’97 is a pivotal part of its broader strategy to integrate the iconic team into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with more mutant-related content in the future like Deadpool & Wolverine in July.
With X-Men ’97 confirmed for a second season and hints at a third, it’s clear Disney is committed to this franchise.
For now, as the first season of X-Men ’97 unfolds, fans can look forward to diving much deeper into the lives and battles of their favorite mutants, all while enjoying the nostalgia and excitement that the series brings.
