X-Men '97: Brad Winderbaum talks "big plans" for second season

X-Men '97 is coming back for a second season, and the excitement is so thick you could cut it with Wolverine’s claws.

Brad Winderbaum, production and development executive at Marvel Studios, has opened up about some Marvel projects during an episode of the Official Marvel Podcast and has potentially shed some light on what to expect from the second season of X-Men '97.

If you're as stoked as we are, then buckle up because we're diving into what this could mean for our favorite band of merry mutants.

First things first: nostalgia. The original X-Men: The Animated Series from the '90s is a classic, and X-Men '97 is here to give us all those warm, fuzzy feelings again. But it's not just about rehashing old stories - it's about taking what we loved from the original series and spinning it in new and unexpected ways. Think of it as the animated equivalent of finding out your favorite band from high school is going on tour again – but with better special effects and maybe a new hit single.

Expect character development and fun villains

""We have big plans for the second season. I've already seen all the animatics and we're well on our way to creating something that hits the heights of the first season. I know the first season is an emotional ride [and] that ride continues in a very X-Men fashion in the second season.""

- Brad Winderbaum

Remember how the characters grew in the first season? Well, get ready for more of that. We’re talking about serious character arcs here. Cyclops might finally get over his brooding phase (but probably not), Rogue could learn to control her powers better, and Gambit… well, Gambit has a bit of a literal comeback to do, but if he does, he'd be back with possibly even cooler card tricks.

Season one brought back some of the most iconic villains, but season two is set to up the ante. Expect to see new villains that challenge the X-Men in ways they've never faced before. Sinister schemes, anyone? Perhaps some obscure foes from the comics will make their animated debut, leaving us googling their backstories faster than Quicksilver on a caffeine high. And let’s not forget the classic baddies - Magneto, Mystique, and the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants are likely plotting something big. They’ve had a whole season to regroup, and while we haven't seen much of the Brotherhood or Mystique, you can bet they’ll be popping into the second season with a vengeance.

One of the best parts of X-Men '97 is the sheer number of mutants that pop up. Season two promises to be a mutant fest, with cameos that will have comic book fans squealing in delight. Could we see the likes of X-23, Bishop, or even Deadpool? The possibilities are endless, and each episode could be packed with Easter eggs.

One of the promises of X-Men '97 is a tighter, more cohesive storyline that ties together various subplots into one grand narrative. The first season set the stage, and now the second season will weave those threads into a tapestry of mutant magnificence. We’re talking about cliffhangers that leave you gasping and story arcs that keep you hooked from start to finish. The X-Men franchise has always been about more than just superpowers and epic battles. It’s about acceptance, prejudice, and the fight for equality. With the world constantly changing, expect season two to tackle some heavy, real-world issues through the lens of mutant struggles. It’s a superhero show with heart and a message, making it as relevant today as it was in the '90s.

X-Men '97 season two won't be just another season - it’ll be a celebration of everything we love about the X-Men. It’s a love letter to fans, a beacon for new viewers, and a chance to see our favorite mutants in new and exciting ways.

Ready to dive back into the world of X-Men, where the stakes are high, the battles are fierce, and the heart is always in the right place? Of course you are, and so am I.