The new ‘X‑Men ’97’ trailer says ‘yes, more mutants’

At a glance:

• season two of X‑Men ’97 arrives on Disney+ July 1
• trailer “Roll Call” introduces strong new mutant lineup
• returning fan‑favorite mutants include Strong Guy, Psylocke, Wolfsbane, Archangel, Siryn, Havok, Multiple Man, Polaris and Emma Frost

Trailer overview

The latest teaser for X‑Men ’97, aptly titled “Roll Call,” drops just weeks before the animated series returns for a second season. The 30‑second spot darts from ancient Egypt to a far‑future cityscape, showcasing the time‑displaced veterans in fresh, sleek costumes. Highlights include Nightcrawler wielding a sword in a stylized duel with Exodus and Storm channeling solar energy in a visually striking sequence. The animation style feels both nostalgic and upgraded, giving long‑time fans a reason to celebrate the show’s return.

New mutant roster

What truly excites viewers, however, is the roster of mutants that the trailer spotlights as allies in the upcoming battle against Apocalypse. The lineup expands beyond the core team and features a mix of classic X‑Men characters and newer faces that have only been hinted at in the first season. The following mutants are confirmed on screen:

• Strong Guy
• Psylocke
• Wolfsbane
• Archangel
• Siryn
• Havok
• Multiple Man
• Polaris
• Emma Frost (the White Queen)

These characters appear in full‑body shots, each displaying a distinct costume redesign that hints at their evolved powers and personalities. Notably, Emma Frost is the only one who appeared as a full‑fledged character in season one; the others were previously limited to brief cameo shapeshifts performed by Morph.

Tie‑in comic connection

The trailer’s new faces are not just random additions; several of them have already been introduced in the current X‑Men ’97 tie‑in comic series. Those issues have been laying groundwork for the story arcs that will unfold in season two, giving comic readers a preview of the narrative beats to expect on Disney+. For fans who haven’t followed the comics, the series promises to flesh out these mutants’ backstories, motivations, and how they fit into the larger conflict with Apocalypse.

Release details

Season two of X‑Men ’97 is slated to premiere on Disney+ on July 1. The streaming platform will release all episodes simultaneously, following the binge‑friendly model it has used for other Marvel‑related properties. Disney+ has not yet announced whether there will be a weekly drop schedule for future seasons, but the July 1 launch date gives viewers a clear window to mark on their calendars.

What to watch next

Beyond the trailer, io9’s editorial team recommends checking the upcoming release calendars for other major franchises. Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek all have new projects slated for 2024, while the DC Universe continues to expand its film and TV slate. For the most comprehensive look at upcoming sci‑fi and superhero content, readers can explore our dedicated guides on Marvel releases, Star Wars series, and the future of Doctor Who.