Marvel fans, get ready to add another name to your mutant obsession list. The studio has officially confirmed that Michael Johnston, the breakout star of this year's horror sensation Obsession, will lend his voice to Nathan Summers in the upcoming second season of X-Men '97. The news dropped alongside a stunning new trailer and a revised premiere date for the critically acclaimed animated series.
Johnston's casting is a major get for Marvel, as the actor has been riding a wave of buzz thanks to his leading role in Obsession, a micro-budget horror film that has grossed over $90 million worldwide on a reported $1 million budget. The film, written and directed by Curry Barker, has become a cultural phenomenon, and Johnston's intense performance has made him one of the most sought-after young actors in Hollywood. For a deeper dive into what makes Obsession so compelling, check out our review of the film.
What to Expect in X-Men '97 Season 2
The first season of X-Men '97 ended on a massive cliffhanger, with the team scattered across time and space. Season 2 will follow their desperate journey to reunite in the '90s and face their most dangerous threat yet: Apocalypse. The series has been hailed as one of the highest-rated Marvel projects ever, and the anticipation for its return is sky-high, especially with the live-action X-Men reboot on the horizon.
Marvel's 2026 slate is already packed with live-action hits like Daredevil: Born Again, the Punisher special One Last Kill, and the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day (hitting theaters July 31). But for many fans, the animated return of the X-Men is the most exciting event of the year. The series has proven that Marvel's animation division can deliver storytelling that rivals its biggest blockbusters.
Michael Johnston Joins a Stellar Voice Cast
Johnston joins a voice cast that includes returning favorites like Ray Chase as Cyclops, Jennifer Hale as Jean Grey, and Lenore Zann as Rogue. Nathan Summers, also known as Cable, is a fan-favorite character with deep ties to the X-Men lore, and Johnston's casting suggests the show will explore his complex backstory in Season 2.
With the premiere now set for July 1 on Disney+, fans have just a few months to catch up on Season 1 and prepare for the next chapter. The series continues to be a must-watch for anyone who loves mutant mayhem, time-travel twists, and top-tier animation. Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on X-Men '97 and all things Marvel.
