X-Men 97 season 2 will premiere on July 1, 2026 on Disney Plus. Marvel released an action packed new trailer for the upcoming season on Wednesday. The animated series picks up after the harrowing events of season 1, which ended with a mutant massacre that left many X Men dead. Gambit‘s death was devastating for fans and for Rogue. By the final episode of season 1, the heroes were scattered across the past, present and future, with various versions of their nemesis Apocalypse looming on the scene. Season 2 will focus on Apocalypse as the main villain. This review covers the trailer details, release date, plot setup and returning characters.

Season 1 Recap And Setup For Season 2

Season 1 of X-Men 97 ended with a mutant massacre after attacks by Bastion left many dead.

• Gambit died, devastating fans and the character Rogue.
• The X Men were scattered across different timelines (past, present and future).
• Various versions of Apocalypse loomed at the end of the season.
• Season 2 will pick up from this cliffhanger.

Apocalypse As Main Villain

The season 2 trailer shows that Apocalypse is the central villain this time.

• Apocalypse wants to hit the X Men where it hurts most in the timeline.
• The character is one of the most powerful mutants in Marvel lore.
• His involvement suggests a high stakes, multi timeline conflict.

Returning Characters

The season 2 trailer features several beloved X Men characters returning.

• Wolverine
• Storm
• Magneto
• Nightcrawler
• Jean Grey
• Rogue (dealing with Gambit‘s death)
• Other X Men from the first season

The trailer includes the phrase “back, baby!” indicating the team is reunited for a new fight.

Release Date And Availability

X-Men 97 season 2 will premiere on July 1, 2026 exclusively on Disney Plus.

• All episodes of season 1 are available to stream now on Disney Plus.
• Season 2 will likely be released weekly (specific episode schedule not announced).
• The series is a continuation of the original X-Men The Animated Series from the 1990s.

Pros And Cons Of X-Men 97 Season 2

Pros

• Apocalypse is a compelling, powerful villain.
• Season 1 cliffhanger set up an exciting multi timeline story.
• Fan favorite characters return (Wolverine, Storm, Magneto, Nightcrawler).
• The animation style remains faithful to the 1990s original.
• July 1 release date is confirmed.
• Trailer promises action packed episodes.

Cons

• Gambit‘s death in season 1 may still upset fans.
• Multi timeline plots can be confusing for casual viewers.
• Weekly release schedule (not binge friendly at launch).
• Only available on Disney Plus (requires subscription).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When does X-Men 97 season 2 come out?
July 1, 2026 on Disney Plus.

Who is the villain in X-Men 97 season 2?
Apocalypse is the main villain for season 2.

Is Gambit alive in X-Men 97 season 2?
Gambit died in season 1. He may appear in flashbacks or alternate timelines, but his death is a major plot point.