Marvel fans are riding a wave of content this year, with Disney+ serving up a steady stream of live-action and animated hits. From the showbiz drama Wonder Man to the gritty Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 and the upcoming VisionQuest, the studio has kept audiences glued to their screens. But the biggest surprise came earlier this week with the premiere of X-Men '97 Season 2, which has already earned a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes—outshining its near-flawless first season.
The first three episodes of the mutant saga are now streaming, and fans are buzzing about a bold creative choice: the return of Rama-Tut, a variant of Kang the Conqueror. This move is especially intriguing given Marvel's recent pivot away from Kang as the Multiverse Saga's big bad. After parting ways with Jonathan Majors, the studio restructured its plans around Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr. in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. Yet here, in the animated realm, Kang lives on—at least in this ancient Egyptian guise.
For those unfamiliar, Rama-Tut is a time-traveling pharaoh from Marvel Comics, first appearing in Fantastic Four #19. In X-Men '97, his inclusion feels like a nod to comic book history and a wink to fans who've followed Kang's convoluted timeline. The character's appearance raises questions about whether this is a one-off Easter egg or a sign of bigger plans. Our deep dive into Rama-Tut's comic roots explores how this variant fits into the larger Marvel tapestry.
So, will Kang show up in Avengers: Doomsday? At this point, it's unlikely. Marvel has been quiet about any Kang-related cameos, and bringing back Majors or recasting the role could confuse audiences. The studio has maintained that Doctor Doom was always the intended ultimate villain, despite earlier teases. Still, X-Men '97 proves that Marvel isn't afraid to revisit its discarded threads in creative ways.
Season 2 of X-Men '97 continues to deliver the emotional depth and high-stakes action that made the first season a hit. With a perfect critic score and fan adoration, the show is a testament to Marvel's strength in animation. Whether Rama-Tut is a fleeting nod or a setup for something bigger, it's a thrilling addition to a season that's already shaping up to be unforgettable.
New episodes of X-Men '97 Season 2 drop weekly on Disney+. For more on the show's surprises, check out our coverage of the Marvel collectible meal collaboration and stay tuned for updates.
