Marvel has plans for many more adventures from one adored group of heroes. The most famous movie studio in the world has been producing countless hours of entertainment for almost two decades, delivering high-octane action on the silver screen and, more recently, gripping character-driven arcs on the small screen. The Marvel Cinematic Universe - and the wider Marvel Multiverse - is all around. And now, it sounds like we're going to see a lot more from one of those particular shows.
Marvel Studios has struggled over its past five years, with too many Disney Plus shows resulting in a diluted, underperforming shared universe of titles - a problem that was once unfathomable for the MCU. But it has refocused on producing smaller-scale TV hits that fans have responded well to (such as Agatha All Along and Daredevil: Born Again). This also allows for more stories beyond just one season. In fact, one beloved show may be about to get a lot more seasons. A lot more.
Marvel planning for X-Men '97 seasons 4 and 5 (although they haven't been greenlit yet)
Marvel Studios is developing even more seasons of X-Men '97! The Head of Television, Streaming, and Animation Brad Winderbaum confirmed as much in a recent interview with Collider, saying that there is "definitely" more adventures for the X-Men ahead:
"There is definitely, more than possibly, more to come from X-Men '97. We're talking about Seasons 4 and 5 now."
It's important to note that the studio hasn't officially greenlit these particular installments yet. Its new approach means that those involved intricately plan a season of television to see if its feasible before ever greenlighting it. But that doesn't mean that they can't actively develop it - as seen through Winderbaum's recent comments about Marvel Zombies season 2.
But X-Men '97 is already returned for more installments. The show has been renewed up to season 3, which just showcases the faith that Marvel Television has in the project. It has, after all, aired just one season of 10 episodes thus far. But, if you have seen it, you will know that it was incredibly popular with viewers, while also receiving critical acclaim.
A revival / sequel series to X-Men: The Animated Series - the classic series that ran through the '90s and is widely regarded as one of the greatest animated TV shows of all time - X-Men '97 picked up a year after the events of that show's series finale. It successfully managed to showcase the beloved mutants at the center of its predecessor while also spotlighting new ones, upping the ante with the gripping, thought-provoking storylines and doing the original so much justice.
A renewal was inevitable and, after a lengthy wait, it's expected to arrive this summer. And, considering that season 3 has been in development alongside it, we probably won't have to wait as long for that one - especially as Winderbaum has seen the animatics for most of the season. He also confirmed that it's "incredible", saying:
"Season 3 is, I've almost seen animatics for the entire season, and it is incredible. I saw an episode the other day."
Needless to say, this is all very exciting for fans of the X-Men characters. In the past, Marvel made miniseries designed to bridge gaps between the MCU movies, but this new approach allows the studio to focus primarily on building out those titles as ongoing TV shows. The animated shows in particular benefit from this as they aren't directly tied to the wider franchise, which means as long as they perform well, they should earn more renewals.
With that, X-Men '97 and Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man joined What If...? in automatically earning a guaranteed three-season run. This would also take them past live-action series Loki (which was the only original MCU show to be renewed for a second season) and put them on par with newer live-action series Daredevil: Born Again in running for three seasons. However, if Marvel's plans for X-Men '97 come to fruition, it could break the record as the longest-running Marvel Studios show yet.
With all of that in mind, it sounds like X-Men '97 could be a part of the Marvel TV landscape for many more years to come. Given how well-received the first season was, it's pretty clear that seasons 2 and 3 are destined for success. So, really, all that's left to do for Marvel is to officially renew the show so that its plans for seasons 4 and 5 can make it to the screen. If that happens, then the revival would have had as many seasons as its originator. How cool - and fitting - would that be?!
Make it happen, Marvel!