Since the Marvel Cinematic Universe expanded into television in 2021 with hits like WandaVision and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, the small-screen side of the franchise has grown into something far more ambitious. Alongside live-action epics such as Loki and Daredevil: Born Again, Marvel has also been nurturing a slate of animated adventures, including Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man and Eyes of Wakanda. But the animated series that has truly captured the fandom's imagination is X-Men '97, which stormed back in 2024 with a first season that won over critics and viewers alike. Now, after a triumphant second season, Marvel has officially locked in the release windows for the show's next two installments.
During a recent screening of the X-Men '97 Season 2 finale, Marvel Studios' Head of TV and Streaming, Brad Winderbaum, sat down with Collider's Maggie Lovitt to discuss what lies ahead. When asked how long fans would have to wait for the third season, Winderbaum didn't hesitate: "Season 3 is going to come out next year and Season 4 the year after that." That means the mutant saga will return in 2027 and 2028, respectively. The confirmation comes as a relief to fans who have been eagerly awaiting news about the show's future, especially since work on Season 4 is already underway.
Winderbaum, who grew up watching the original X-Men: The Animated Series, expressed his enthusiasm for keeping the momentum going. "Even a year feels too long," he admitted. "I remember watching these every single day after school, and then they would be on as reruns. I guess you could rewatch these episodes on streaming, because you can watch anything now." His passion for the franchise is evident, and he made it clear that he wants to deliver as many seasons as possible to the devoted fanbase.
While the first season of X-Men '97 consisted of 10 episodes, the second season trimmed that down to nine. The episode counts for Seasons 3 and 4 have yet to be announced, but Lovitt pressed Winderbaum on whether fans might see longer seasons, reminiscent of the original series' 13- or even 19-episode runs. Winderbaum was candid about the challenges of streaming production, noting that episode count is always a balancing act. "It's a whole different business now, and streaming has its own limitations," he explained. "Sometimes you have to decide, 'Do you want a season to come out sooner or do you want more episodes?' I tend to vote to get them out as soon as possible, even if you have to save some stories for subsequent seasons."
This approach suggests that while fans may not get marathon-length seasons, they can expect a steady cadence of new adventures. The decision to prioritize timely releases over larger episode orders is a pragmatic one, especially in the competitive streaming landscape. It also aligns with Marvel's broader strategy of keeping audiences engaged with a consistent flow of content.
Beyond the release schedule, Winderbaum hinted that the story of X-Men '97 is far from over. While no plans beyond Season 4 have been confirmed, he spoke warmly about the show's enduring appeal. "X-Men was a constant element of my life growing up," he said, "and I just want to make as many [seasons] as fast as possible for people to see." That sentiment is sure to resonate with fans who have embraced the revival's blend of nostalgia and modern storytelling.
For those who haven't yet caught up, the first two seasons of X-Men '97 are currently streaming on Disney+. The show has been praised for its faithful adaptation of the beloved animated series while introducing fresh twists and deeper character arcs. It's also been noted for reviving a forgotten power that Marvel had left behind, adding another layer of intrigue for longtime fans.
As the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to evolve, the animated corner of the franchise is proving to be just as vital as its live-action counterparts. With X-Men '97 locked in for two more seasons, fans have plenty to look forward to. And with the upcoming Lanterns series and other projects on the horizon, the streaming landscape is only getting more crowded. But for now, all eyes are on the mutants, who are set to return in 2027 and 2028.
Stay tuned to Collider for more updates on X-Men '97 Seasons 3 and 4, including episode counts, casting news, and exclusive interviews. The future of the X-Men has never looked brighter.
