Marvel Television head Brad Winderbaum has confirmed that both X-Men '97 seasons 3 and 4 are in production. Season 3 is expected to arrive in 2027, with season 4 already in development.
Season 3 Storylines and Villains
The upcoming season will continue to draw from iconic comic storylines, including the Purifiers and the rise of the Sentinels. Season 2 introduced the Purifiers, a paramilitary group led by Reverend William Stryker, and their battle against mutants. This arc often involves Nimrod, a formidable, time-traveling Sentinel, and the resurrection of Bastion, a primary antagonist from season one. The season 2 finale also saw Graydon Creed, son of Sabretooth and Mystique and a staunch anti-mutant, elected President of the United States, suggesting his influence will play a significant role.
The patriotically painted Sentinels seen in a season 3 preview are likely creations of Creed's administration. The post-credits scene of season 2 featured Mystique impersonating Valerie Cooper, hinting at her potential leadership of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants following Apocalypse's defeat of Magneto. This setup strongly suggests the incorporation of the "Days of Future Past" storyline, a classic arc where Mystique and the Brotherhood's actions incite anti-mutant sentiment, leading to a dystopian future dominated by Sentinels. This narrative was previously adapted in the 2014 film X-Men: Days of Future Past and in X-Men: The Animated Series, the predecessor to X-Men '97.
Release Window
Fans can anticipate X-Men '97 season 3 in 2027. While a specific date has not been announced, a summer 2027 release seems plausible, given the typical schedule for such productions. This follows a two-year gap between the first two seasons, but Winderbaum's confirmation indicates a potentially shorter wait for the subsequent installments.
Future of Marvel Animation
Marvel's Disney+ slate includes other animated projects. VisionQuest, a follow-up to WandaVision, is set to premiere on October 14. Season 2 of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is expected in 2026, and Daredevil: Born Again's third season is slated for March 2027. However, the cancellation of Wonder Man's second season serves as a reminder that these production plans remain subject to change.