5 Biggest Stories X-Men '97 Can Adapt for Seasons 3 and 4

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Charles Xavier, Emma Frost, and Cable lead the X-Men during the Krakoan Age

Published Jul 28, 2026, 12:00 PM EDT

Joshua Edward Ryan Fox is a freelance writer for Screen Rant with a passion for pop culture. Joshua grew up in Connecticut where he developed an appreciation for writing and entertainment and has earned a Master's degree in professional writing and technical writing. His writing has been quoted by both the anime streaming site Crunchyroll and the anime YouTuber Gigguk.

Two seasons into its run, and it’s undeniable that X-Men ’97 is a massive hit; not only has it done a perfect job of continuing the story of the classic cartoon while still being accessible to newcomers, but the show perfectly combines 2D and 3D aesthetics for artwork and animation that constantly lend themselves to gorgeous action and visuals, all of which is further complemented by a script that perfectly captures the dramatic stakes of the original comics.

The success of X-Men ’97 is hardly subjective; not only has Marvel Studios Animation already renewed it for a third and fourth season, but it’s even been stated to be a top priority of the company, as well. As it stands, X-Men ’97 could run for even longer than the original cartoon, which begs the question of what they might adapt for seasons 3 and 4. Fortunately, there are plenty of great X-Men stories left for the show to adapt, and with how great it’s been so far, each one would be utterly amazing to watch play out in animation.

Planet X

Grant Morrison’s legendary run of New X-Men culminated in the “Planet X” story, where it was revealed that the mysterious new X-Man Xorn was actually Magneto, who had infiltrated the X-Men to enact a master plan of inverting the Earth’s magnetic poles and enslaving the human race. It was an incredibly dramatic turn of events that led to Jean Grey’s death, something that wasn’t reversed for almost 20 years, and with everything X-Men ’97 has done with Magneto, it would be great to see it in the show.

Granted, after Grant Morrison left the book, the story was subjected to a series of confusing retcons in which Xorn was revealed to be a real person simply pretending to be Magneto, but if X-Men ’97 did adapt it, then they could either ignore the retcon or make it work by playing into Magneto’s death at the hands of Apocalypse. Whatever the case, “Planet X” would make for a great Magneto story for the show, and hopefully, something like it will be seen.

House Of M

There’s no X-Men story bigger than “House of M”, and it’s easy to see why. The entire premise of Scarlet Witch creating a world where mutants are the dominant species is an incredible idea that gave way for very fun and creative takes on the Marvel Universe, and ending on the massive twist of most mutants in the world losing their powers was nothing short of legendary. The events of “House of M” changed the X-Men’s status quo for years, and over 20 years later, the repercussions are still being felt.

With “House of M” affecting the entire Marvel Universe, and not just the X-Men, it would be an easy way for X-Men ’97 to bring in more Marvel characters from the other ’90s shows and beyond, and the idea of hearing Scarlet Witch’s iconic “No more mutants” line is enough incentive on its own to make it worth seeing. Scarlet Witch was already teased at the end of X-Men '97 season 1, and if she makes a formal appearance, “House of M” could be the perfect way to cap off her arc.

X-Men: Messiah Complex/Messiah War/Second Coming

If X-Men ’97 were to adapt “House of M”, then it would only make sense to adapt “X-Men: Messiah Complex”, “Messiah War”, and “Second Coming”. The series revolves around the X-Men and their allies and enemies fighting for control of Hope, the first child born with the X-gene following “House of M” who could spark the revival of mutantkind, and in addition to how great an addition to the franchise Hope was, the way the story pushes so many characters to extremes to the point that some of the heroes turn heel would all be great to watch in animation.

“House of M” being adapted would completely change the narrative and tone of X-Men ’97, so just like in the comics, the trilogy that’s kicked off by “X-Men: Messiah Complex” would be a perfect palette cleanser to bring back a feeling of hope for the franchise, right down to having a protagonist literally named Hope. All of that would be a fun way of following a hypothetical “House of M” story, and overall, it would be great to see it happen.

Avengers Vs. X-Men

When it comes to hero vs. hero stories, few are more infamous than 2012’s Avengers vs. X-Men. The story solidified the cliché of the Avengers being at odds with the X-Men, and while that could be frustrating to see in X-Men ’97, the drama that would come from it would still be great, especially as it would be a good way of properly introducing the Avengers to the show’s universe. Not only that, but Avengers vs. X-Men also sparked the famous “Cyclops was right” rhetoric, and seeing how that came to be would be great for fans old and new.

More than that, of course, is how Avengers vs. X-Men is the true conclusion of the narrative set up in “House of M”. The story ends with Hope and the Scarlet Witch finally reviving mutants en masse, so if X-Men ’97 were to do a “House of M” story, Avengers vs. X-Men could perfectly close things out with a great range of action and drama. It could be the perfect way of capping off a string of great stories, and hopefully, there’s a chance of seeing that play out.

Honorable Mentions

Onslaught: Seeing the appearance of Xavier’s all-powerful evil doppelganger would be incredible in animation, and Onslaught himself would make for a great final villain in one season. The only reason this is an honorable mention is that it’s heavily implied that X-Men ’97 is already setting up Onslaught.
AXIS: The classic crossover is technically an Avengers and X-Men event, and just like in the comics, it would be a lot of fun to see the morality of X-Men’s heroes and villains swapped for a while.
Age of X-Man: The story could be a fun mini arc that sets up a lot of future events in one season, not unlike the purpose it served in the comics, and while Nate Grey doesn’t exist in the show’s continuity, it wouldn’t be impossible to find a way to fit Cable into the role.

The Krakoan Age

Professor Charles Xavier, Jean Grey as Marvel Girl, and Magneto wearing his white costume walk through Krakoan's gate with Cyclops and Wolverine in X-Men's House of X comic cover

No era of X-Men over the past decade has been bigger and more impactful than the Krakoan Age, and for good reason. For starters, the X-Men finally succeeding in building a world just for mutants was incredibly cathartic and was a perfect vehicle for further developing their powers and lore. Not only that, but the moral complexity was also fun to watch; the X-Men teaming up with their biggest villains and resorting to increasingly dubious acts made the entire situation a powder keg waiting to blow, and when it finally did, the fallout was devastating in the best of ways.

Marvel · Mutant Profile Which X-Men Character Are You? “Mutation: it is the key to our evolution.”

🐺 Wolverine The Loner

🧠 Professor X The Visionary

🧲 Magneto The Survivor

ACTIVATE CEREBRO →

Humans discover your mutant abilities. What do you do?

ADisappear. Go off the grid before anyone can come after me — I don’t owe them an explanation BReach out calmly and try to have a dialogue — fear comes from misunderstanding, and I can help bridge that gap CMake a show of strength — they need to understand that mutants will not be hunted or controlled, ever

Anti-mutant protesters surround a school full of young mutants. What’s your first move?

AGet between the kids and the mob. If anyone raises a hand, they answer to me BAddress the crowd telepathically or publicly — show them the children are just scared kids, not threats CEvacuate the children to safety, then make the protesters deeply regret their choices

A team of mutants needs a leader for a dangerous mission. What role do you naturally fall into?

AI work alone, but I’ll take point — someone’s gotta make sure nobody gets killed BI coordinate the team, play to each person’s strengths, and keep morale steady CI lead from the front — my vision, my plan, my responsibility if it fails

A powerful mutant threatens innocent humans. How do you respond?

APut them down fast — talk later. Innocent people don’t have time for a debate BTry to reach them mentally — understand why they’re doing this and find a peaceful resolution COffer them a place at my side — their power is wasted on chaos when it could serve a greater cause

A human politician offers to champion mutant rights — but has a shady past. What do you do?

AGive them a chance — people can change, and this alliance could mean real progress for coexistence BI don’t trust politicians. Watch them closely, and the second they betray us, I’ll be right there CUse them — let them think they’re in charge while I control the narrative from behind the scenes

What’s your biggest flaw?

AI push people away — I’d rather be alone than risk losing someone I care about BI’m too idealistic — I keep believing in people even when the evidence says I shouldn’t CMy anger — once I commit to a path, I’ll burn everything down before I admit I was wrong

Sentinels are hunting mutants in your city. What’s your move?

AHunt the hunters — tear them apart before they find anyone else BCoordinate an underground network to hide and protect every mutant in the area CSeize control of the Sentinels — turn the weapons of oppression into instruments of liberation

What do you believe about coexistence between humans and mutants?

ACoexistence is a fantasy. Humans will always fear what they can’t control — mutants must secure their own future BI don’t care about the big picture — I protect the people I care about, and everyone else can sort themselves out CIt’s possible and worth fighting for — the dream of a world where humans and mutants live in peace is everything

REVEAL MY MUTANT IDENTITY →

Cerebro Scan Complete Your X-Men Identity

🐺

Wolverine (Logan)

“I’m the best there is at what I do. But what I do best isn’t very nice.” You’re the fierce loner who acts first and philosophises later — but beneath that adamantium-plated exterior beats a heart that cares far more than you’d ever admit. You’ve been burned enough times to distrust the world, so you keep people at arm’s length, yet you’d throw yourself into any fight to protect the ones who slip past your defences. You don’t need a cause or a manifesto — you just need someone worth fighting for. Like Logan, your greatest strength isn’t your claws or your healing factor; it’s the stubborn refusal to let the people you love face danger alone.

Fierce Protective Resilient Untamed

🧠

Professor X (Charles Xavier)

“Just because someone stumbles and loses their path, doesn’t mean they’re lost forever.” You’re the visionary who sees the best in everyone — even when the world gives you every reason not to. Your greatest power isn’t telepathy; it’s an unshakeable belief that understanding and compassion can bridge any divide. You lead not through force but through hope, building bridges where others build walls. Some call you naive, but you know that real strength lies in extending a hand to your enemy. Like Charles Xavier, you carry the weight of a dream that most consider impossible, and you refuse to let it die.

Visionary Empathetic Diplomatic Hopeful

🧲

Magneto (Erik Lehnsherr)

“Peace was never an option.” You’re the survivor who learned the hardest lesson life has to offer: the world will not protect you, so you must protect yourself. Your conviction is unbreakable and your patience is terrifying — you’ll wait years to set the right plan in motion. You don’t hate humanity; you simply refuse to let your people be victims ever again. Every action you take, no matter how ruthless, is driven by a profound love for those who share your struggle. Like Erik Lehnsherr, you are both revolutionary and tragic — a leader forged in pain who will bend the world before it bends you.

Resolute Strategic Ruthless Unyielding

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X-Men's Krakoan Age made X-Men and mutants more relevant than they had been in ages, and while the execution of it all left a lot to be desired, the general idea and how it massively changed their place in the world was great at its core. There’s never been a story quite like the Krakoan Age, and with X-Men ’97 not ending anytime soon, it would be a perfect story to adapt in season 3 or 4 and beyond.