Here are all the major cameos in X-Men '97
Welcome to the ultimate guide to every single cameo that lit up the screen in X-Men '97!
The Disney Plus animated series isn't just a reboot - it's a full-throttle joyride through the rich history of Marvel's mutant universe, with each episode packed to the brim with nostalgic nods and winks that would have any Marvel fan jumping out of their seat. From the very first episode, it's a feast of Who's that? moments, as familiar faces pop up in unexpected places, delivering a delightful dose of "I know that character!" thrills that tie back beautifully to the original X-Men: The Animated Series and the sprawling Marvel comics lore.
Whether you're a die-hard Marvel aficionado or just jumping into the superhero fray, these cameos are like finding hidden treasures in your favorite video game - each one adding layers of depth and excitement, making you eager to dive deeper. The cameos bridge generations of X-Men history, bringing together classic and obscure characters alike, turning every episode into a rich tapestry of mutant mythology. It's this clever interplay of old and new, the unexpected surprises and the clever integration of Marvel's vast character roster, that makes X-Men '97 a spectacular playground for fans of all stripes.
Missed some of these? Grab the controller, hit pause, and rewind because you won't want to miss a single frame of these cameos.
Episode 1: "To Me, My X-Men"
Episode 1 serves up a feast for the eagle-eyed with a record store, Rising Spiral, named after the X-Men villain Spiral, the multi-armed and magical staple troublemaker from Mojoworld. There's also the newspaper cameos - with stories about a mutant fashion show featuring Banshee, Dust, and others - pure fan candy.
Episode 5: "Remember It"
Archangel, Squidboy, Marrow, Wiz-Kid, Leech, Glob Herman, Pixie, The Fallen, Nature Girl, Gentle, Multiple Man, Exodus, Dazzler, Boom Boom, and other well-known mutants are seen in Genosha, with Sebastian Shaw, Banshee, Moira MacTaggert, Callisto, and Emma Frost sitting on the council. For those with eagle eyes, Uatu the Watcher can be seen in the sky above the fireworks right after Rogue and Gambit's have a conversation.
Episode 6: "Lifedeath - Part 2"
"Lifedeath - Part 2" didn't have as many cameos as some of its predecessors, but there was one familiar face in there. Vulcan, the third Summers brother, whose complex story is a deep cut from X-Men lore, can be spotted in the Shi'ar Empire - he's the guy in red and blue with gold wristbands.
Episode 7: "Bright Eyes"
America's Ass, aka Captain America, makes a really fun appearance in this episode. Blob, Forearm, Angel Salvatore, Mimic, Strong Guy, and Savage Land Mutates Brainchild and Amphibius. Hulk's archenemy, General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, makes a surprise appearance, hinting at the broader Marvel Universe connections. The non-mutant attendees at the funeral are Gambit's buddies from the Thieves Guild.
Episode 8: "Tolerance is Extinction - Part 1"
Polaris (Magneto's daughter) and Rachel Summers (Scott and Jean's daughter from an alternate universe) show up, altering Earth's magnetic poles and rebuilding the Golden Gate Bridge, respectively. Doctor Doom, Baron Zemo, Spider-Man, Silver Samurai, Omega Red are also seen in the episode.
Episode 10: "Tolerance is Extinction - Part 3"
The season finale doesn't skimp on the cameos either: Black Panther, Cloak & Dagger, Crimson Dynamo, Omega Red, Darkstar, Northstar, Aurora, Puck, Frenzy, Psylocke, Silver Samurai, Iron Man, Captain America, Daredevil, and a surgery-performing Doctor Strange all make an appearance. Even Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson show up.
Not to mention En Sabah Nur, aka Apocalypse, making an appearance at the end (and the post-credit scene).
Each episode of X-Men '97 is like a Where's Waldo? of Marvel cameos, offering layers of enjoyment for both new fans and die-hard enthusiasts. Whether it's a subtle background detail or a full-fledged guest appearance, the series is a continuous cameo hunt that keeps on giving.
As you watch (or rewatch) the series, keep a notepad handy - you won't want to miss a single cameo.