Disney has officially announced that the much-anticipated animated series, X-Men ‘97, will boast the lengthiest season among Marvel Studios television offerings on its streaming platform, Disney+.
The series is set to premiere with a total of 10 episodes, with the first two episodes launching simultaneously on March 20.
According to a recent press release reported by The Direct, X-Men ‘97 surpasses previous Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) shows on Disney+, including WandaVision, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, and both seasons of What if…? each of which consisted of nine episodes.
The extended episode count promises an expansive narrative for fans eagerly awaiting the return of the beloved X-Men animated series from the 90s.
This announcement comes as the Marvel Cinematic Universe undergoes a period of transition. With only one film, Deadpool and Wolverine, slated for release this year, the MCU seems poised to delve deeper into the X-Men universe in 2024.
Previous MCU projects, such as WandaVision and The Marvels, hinted at connections to the old Fox universe, and Kelsey Grammar’s return as Beast in the latter suggests a broader embrace of the X-Men world by Disney.
X-Men ‘97, being the first mutant-centric story produced by Disney, is set to directly follow up on the narrative from the original animated series.
Showrunner Beau DeMayo has confirmed this sequel nature, and the recently released trailer introduces an unexpected twist: Professor X bequeathing everything to the enigmatic Magneto in his will.
Magneto, a complex character in both the animated series and X-Men comics, will play a central role in the unfolding storyline.
DeMayo has teased the thematic elements of the series, hinting at the challenges the X-Men will face in this continuation.
He poses intriguing questions about the consequences of a future that catches the X-Men off guard and explores the emotional aspect of feeling left behind by an unforeseen future.
X-Men ‘97 is scheduled to premiere on Disney+ on March 20, inviting fans to delve into the mutant-powered saga once again.