Marvel fans got an unexpected treat this afternoon when the first trailer for X-Men '97 Season 2 dropped, featuring a blink-and-you'll-miss-it appearance from everyone's favorite Merc with a Mouth. Yes, Deadpool is officially confirmed for the animated series, even if his cameo comes via the shape-shifting mutant Morph.
Over the past decade, Deadpool has skyrocketed to become one of Marvel's most bankable characters. Ryan Reynolds' portrayal has consistently shattered box office records, with Deadpool & Wolverine raking in over $1.3 billion worldwide and earning the title of the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time. While Reynolds has expressed interest in continuing with the character, he's hinted that future appearances might lean more toward cameo roles rather than leading a full film. Given the massive demand for more Deadpool content, this X-Men '97 cameo feels like a perfect fit.
The trailer shows Morph briefly transforming into Deadpool, a nod that has fans buzzing about what's to come. While it's not a full-fledged appearance by Reynolds himself, it's a clear signal that Marvel is keeping the character front and center. Many had assumed we wouldn't see Deadpool again until Avengers: Doomsday, rumored for a December 2026 release, but this surprise cameo changes the timeline.
What to Expect from X-Men '97 Season 2
Season 2 picks up after the chaotic Season 1 finale, with the X-Men scattered across time and space. The team must reunite and find their way back to the 1990s while facing a new, terrifying threat: Apocalypse. Voiced by Ross Marquand, Apocalypse is set to be a far more dangerous villain than anything the team has encountered before. Marquand, who also voices Professor X, recently told Collider that Season 2 is so violent he's surprised it got the green light.
The series premieres on Disney+ on July 1, 2026, and promises to deliver the same high-stakes drama and nostalgia that made Season 1 a hit. For more on the upcoming season, check out our full breakdown of the X-Men '97 Season 2 trailer and Apocalypse's arrival.
Deadpool's Future in the MCU
While this cameo is exciting, it's just the beginning. Deadpool is widely expected to appear in Avengers: Doomsday, though he wasn't part of the initial casting announcement. As fans learned with Chris Evans' return as Steve Rogers, the absence of a chair at a press event doesn't mean much. The Merc with a Mouth is likely to pop up in multiple projects, keeping his irreverent humor alive across the MCU.
For now, fans can enjoy Deadpool's animated debut in X-Men '97 Season 2. It's a smart move by Marvel to keep the character in the spotlight without overcommitting to a full film. And with the show's intense storyline and Apocalypse as the big bad, this season is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated of 2026.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on X-Men '97 and all things Marvel. In the meantime, check out our list of the most anticipated video game movies coming your way.
