X-Men ’97 Series Plot Will Pick Up From Original Series Finale

I didn’t grow up reading comic books – please don’t tell the other Comic Years writers. What I did love, however, was the animated series that filled 90s cartoon time blocks. From Spider-Man to the critically acclaimed Batman: The Animated Series, these shows taught me about the heroes we still love to this day. One such show that really resonated with me back then was X-Men: The Animated Series. Technically debuting before I was born, the show ended up in my regular rotation as a kid. I loved revisiting it when the series arrived on Disney+. Now, I’m stoked we’re getting more. In fact, the new X-Men ’97 series is still about a year away, but once it hits Disney+ the showrunners say it will pick up the original series plot. Here’s what we know!

X-Men ’97 is Going to Literally Pickup from the Finale of Original Series

Image Credit: Disney+

At the end of X-Men: The Animated Series, a huge cliffhanger ending shocked fans. We had no idea what happened and assumed we never would. That said, we’ll get a chance to wrap up that storyline in the upcoming X-Men ’97 series on Disney+. Premiering in 2023, the X-Men ’97 animated series reveal was shocking in the best way possible for last year’s Disney+ Day.

For the new show, original X-Men: The Animated Series showrunners Eric and Julia Lewald will consult the 10-episode series. They also shared a bit about the X-Men ’97 series plot – including talking about that cliffhanger. “They want this show to pick up where the original X-Men series wrapped,” said Julia Lewald in an interview on YouTube with Justin Underwood. That cliffhanger, the fate of a main cast member, really shocked fans. Because of that, however, the series will look to handle that ending in a way fans will love and respect. “They want it to be an extension,” Eric Lewald said. “Whoever it is doing this new show is going to make it their own. No matter who is involved. There is great love and affection and respect from an entire group of people that are doing this show.”

Overall, the announcement of the series was one among many Disney+ Day 2021 Marvel Animated Series Announcements. If you’re a fan of these 90s series, then you’re likely going to tune into many of them. It’s safe to say, however, X-Men ’97 earned the most attention online.

A Delicate Plan to Continue a Lasting Legacy

Image Credit: Disney+

It’s tricky to continue a story years after it presumably ended. Honestly, it doesn’t happen all that often. When it does, however, it can be a really magical moment for fans of movies and TV. A great example of this concept working out is Blade Runner. Decades after the original film, Blade Runner 2049 actually stuck the landing. The story wrapped up the original film’s loose threads and did it well. In short, it’s telling that good examples of these sorts of projects are harder to come by.

If the upcoming project did not involve the original showrunners, I’d be more concerned. Instead, they’re consulting and happy with what they’re seeing. For Disney+, the Original Series lineup includes a few hits and a few misses. I’m hoping more than anything that this series is one of the former. That said, it’ll be a while before we know if the show works or doesn’t work. With a release window of mid-2023, this show is a ways away.

Until then, let’s talk about hopes for the series! If you are excited about the upcoming Disney+ series X-Men ’97, then let us know in the comments. Thanks for reading Comic Years for all things Marvel, comics, and pop culture.

Featured Image Credit: Disney+

Taylor is the Gaming Editor of Comic Years and a lifelong fan of video games. He holds two degrees in Political Communication and wrote a Master's Thesis on resistance movements, race, and the exploitation of college athletes. His wife and two Toy Australian Sheppards keep him sane.