When X-Men '97 returns for its second season next month, it's not just bringing back fan-favorite mutants—it might be laying the groundwork for an entire Avengers animated revival. A subtle nod to the Winter Soldier in a recent trailer has fans buzzing about what's next for Marvel's animated universe.
The clue comes from a special trailer shown at Comic-Con Revolution, where Wolverine (Cal Dodd) and Morph (J.P. Karliak) infiltrate the Weapon X facility. As Morph sifts through computer discs labeled "Weapon Plus," one disc bears the name Bucky Barnes—better known as the Winter Soldier. Given Bucky's deep ties to Captain America and the avalanche of cameos in Season 1, this Easter egg feels like more than just a throwaway reference.
Building a Wider Animated Universe
Season 1 of X-Men '97 already peppered in appearances from Captain America, Iron Man, Doctor Strange, Daredevil, and Spider-Man, reminding viewers that Marvel's 1990s animated series shared a world. Now, with the Winter Soldier name-drop, the door creaks open for a full-fledged Avengers series. Imagine exploring how Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver—Magneto's children—react to their father's turn toward heroism, or a team-up between Captain America and Wolverine, both World War II veterans. The possibilities are endless.
Marvel Animation has a rocky history with the Avengers on TV. The Avengers: United They Stand lasted only one season, partly because Captain America and Iron Man barely appeared. The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes fared better, earning a devoted fanbase over two seasons before being replaced by Avengers Assemble, which never matched its predecessor's acclaim. A new series, inspired by X-Men '97's success, could blend classic comic arcs with deep characterization—and finally give Earth's Mightiest Heroes the animated treatment they deserve.
For more on the mutant side of things, check out our coverage of the X-Men '97 Season 2 trailer that unleashes X-Force and X-Factor. And if you're curious about the strongest heroes in the MCU, we've ranked them here.
What a Winter Soldier Storyline Could Mean
A Winter Soldier arc could lead to Captain America and Wolverine joining forces, given their shared history in World War II. It might even set up a clash between the Avengers and the X-Men, or a battle against the psychic mutant threat Onslaught. With X-Men '97 already confirmed for a fourth season, Marvel has plenty of runway to expand its animated universe.
As Avengers: Doomsday looms on the big screen, the timing couldn't be better for an animated counterpart. Whether it's a direct revival of Earth's Mightiest Heroes or something entirely new, the Winter Soldier Easter egg is a tantalizing hint that Marvel's animated future is about to get a lot bigger.
X-Men '97 Season 2 premieres July 1, 2026, on Disney+.
