Apocalypse, the world's first mutant and a recurring antagonist in the Marvel timeline, is slated to return in season two of X-Men '97. His formidable power is amplified by his ability to recruit and transform powerful mutants into his Four Horsemen, often through brainwashing and physical augmentation. Season two will debut an entirely new quartet of these figures, known as the Final Horsemen, a group originating from the 2011 comic storyline "Uncanny X-Force: The Apocalypse Solution." This iteration draws powerful mutants from across time and space as Apocalypse's ultimate defense.
The Final Horsemen include Ichisumi, also known as Pestilence, a geisha from 1833 Japan with control over insects. Decimus Furius, or War, is a Roman gladiator with a minotaur-like appearance and enhanced strength. Jeb Lee, or Famine, is a Confederate spy who uses sonic attacks powered by his drumming. The fourth member is Sanjar Javeed, or Death, a Persian prince capable of spreading disease with his touch.
These new Horsemen represent a departure from the lineup featured in X-Men: The Animated Series, which included Plague (Pestilence), Abraham Kieros (War), Autumn Rolfson (Famine), and Angel (Death). While Angel, a former X-Man, was brainwashed and had his wings replaced with metallic ones, the others were distinct characters with their own origins. Some of these classic Horsemen may still appear in the '90s-set portions of X-Men '97.
Apocalypse's history of recruiting powerful mutants suggests potential future additions to his ranks. Wolverine, who had his adamantium skeleton removed in season one, could be a candidate to become Death again. Gambit, hinted at in a post-credits scene involving a playing card, is another strong possibility for the Death role, having previously served Apocalypse in that capacity. Polaris, Magneto's daughter, has also been Pestilence and was featured in season two trailers, indicating her potential involvement.
Regardless of the specific mutants he enlists, Apocalypse's overarching goal remains the same: world domination across past, present, and future timelines, a scheme the X-Men will undoubtedly strive to thwart.