As X-Men ’97 season 2 approaches, there are several iconic characters previously spotlighted in X-Men: The Animated Series we are desperate to see return. One of the greatest strengths of Marvel’s X-Men ’97 season 1 was its willingness to embrace the deep history of X-Men: The Animated Series. Rather than simply continuing the original show’s story, it rewarded longtime viewers by revisiting forgotten plot threads, resurrecting fan-favorite characters, and expanding ideas that had been left unresolved for nearly three decades.
X-Men ’97 season 2 looks set to continue that trend. The trailer has already confirmed the return of several familiar faces while teasing locations and storylines pulled directly from the original series. With Apocalypse looming over multiple timelines, the X-Men scattered throughout history, and new adventures waiting around every corner, there are countless opportunities to bring back characters who played important roles in the 1990s cartoon.
To keep things interesting, this list excludes characters whom Morph merely imitated during season 1. While those cameos were fun Easter eggs, they don’t necessarily count as genuine returns. Instead, these are characters who could contribute meaningful stories, unresolved relationships, or major comic-book concepts to the next season. Some have unfinished business with the X-Men, while others could help push existing storylines in exciting new directions.
The Shadow King
The Shadow King was responsible for one of the most memorable storylines in X-Men: The Animated Series, serving as a powerful psychic enemy who nearly destroyed Storm’s sense of identity. Unlike many villains who relied on physical strength, the Shadow King attacked the mind itself, creating surreal dreamscapes and psychological traps that pushed the animation of the era to its limits.
Modern animation technology could make those sequences even more spectacular. X-Men ’97 season 1 already demonstrated a willingness to embrace visually ambitious storytelling, and few villains offer more opportunities for psychedelic imagery than the Shadow King. His powers could create entire worlds of nightmare logic, shifting realities, and psychic warfare.
His return would also fit naturally with Storm’s ongoing story. Season 1 explored her loss of powers and the resulting identity crisis, themes that remain central to her character. Bringing back an enemy who specifically targets a person’s sense of self could create a fascinating continuation of that journey while giving one of the franchise’s most underrated villains a long-overdue spotlight.
Ms. Marvel, AKA Carol Danvers
Long before she became Captain Marvel, Carol Danvers was known throughout Marvel Comics as Ms. Marvel. In fact, when she appeared in X-Men: The Animated Series, that was still her primary superhero identity. Her storyline also happened to be one of the most emotionally devastating arcs in the entire show.
After Rogue permanently absorbed Carol’s memories, personality, and powers, Danvers was left in a vegetative state. The consequences haunted Rogue for years, becoming one of the defining aspects of her character. Their relationship was far more complicated than a traditional hero-versus-villain rivalry, with Rogue carrying immense guilt over what happened.
Remarkably, Carol’s story never truly received closure. She remained alive but unresponsive during her last appearance, leaving one of the biggest unresolved threads from the original series hanging.
With X-Men ’97 already revisiting classic storylines, it would be fascinating to finally see Carol awaken. The resulting reunion with Rogue could be dramatic, emotional, awkward, and potentially hilarious all at once – exactly the kind of character-driven storytelling the series excels at.
Sabretooth, AKA Graydon Creed
Yes, Morph briefly transformed into Sabretooth during season 1, but that’s hardly the same thing as the real article showing up. If X-Men ’97 wants to bring back one of the original series’ most reliable antagonists, Sabretooth should be near the top of the list.
Throughout X-Men: The Animated Series, Sabretooth served as Wolverine’s primary nemesis. Their encounters were always personal, brutal, and fueled by decades of mutual hatred. Unlike larger threats such as Apocalypse or Mister Sinister, Sabretooth represented something more intimate. He wasn’t trying to conquer the world; he simply wanted to make Wolverine’s life miserable.
That dynamic could be especially effective now that Wolverine is dealing with the aftermath of Magneto ripping the adamantium from his skeleton during season 1. A weakened and emotionally vulnerable Logan would present an irresistible target.
Sabretooth has always thrived when exploiting Wolverine’s weaknesses. Bringing him back could provide season 2 with a grounded but intensely personal conflict amid all the time travel, cosmic threats, and reality-altering chaos.
Magik, AKA Illyana Rasputin
Among all the characters who could return, Magik may have the strongest connection to events already teased by X-Men ’97. In the original series, viewers last saw Illyana Rasputin as a child after Colossus helped rescue her from a deadly illness in Russia. She never underwent the dramatic transformation that comic readers know so well.
However, season 1 included an intriguing clue. When Morph transformed into Magik during battle, the design used her iconic sorceress appearance rather than her childhood form. That raises an obvious question over whether Illyana has already become Magik somewhere off-screen.
If so, season 2 would be the perfect time to explore that story. With Colossus confirmed to return, the series could examine how he reacts to discovering that his younger sister has become one of Marvel’s most powerful magical heroes after being trapped in a Hell dimension.
Magik would also bring an entirely new dimension to the show. Her connections to Limbo, magic, and interdimensional threats could expand the scope of the series while introducing one of the X-Men franchise’s most beloved modern characters and a key member of the New Mutants.
Mystique, AKA Raven Darkholme
Few characters were as important to X-Men: The Animated Series as Mystique. Across multiple seasons, she served as an enemy, reluctant ally, freedom fighter, and manipulator, often switching sides depending on what best served her interests. Her complicated relationships with Rogue, Nightcrawler, and the X-Men gave her a depth that many animated villains never received.
A return in X-Men ’97 season 2 would make perfect sense for several reasons. Most notably, Mystique was originally introduced in the series as one of Apocalypse’s servants. With Apocalypse positioned as the season’s primary villain, revisiting one of his most prominent former followers feels like a natural fit.
There is also an intriguing fan theory already circulating. Some viewers suspect that Val Cooper’s appearances throughout X-Men ’97 season 1 may have secretly been Mystique in disguise, mirroring a storyline from the comics in which she assumed Cooper’s identity for an extended period. Whether that theory proves correct or not, Mystique’s absence from season 1 feels increasingly suspicious.
If she does return, audiences can expect plenty of deception, divided loyalties, and at least one dramatic reveal. After all, being exactly who she appears to be has never really been Mystique’s style.
Havok, AKA Alex Summers
One of the stranger omissions from X-Men: The Animated Series is that the show never properly explained one of the biggest relationships in X-Men lore: Havok and Cyclops are brothers. Comic readers know Alex Summers as one of Scott’s closest family members, yet the animated series largely treated him as a separate character.
That feels like an oversight X-Men ’97 is perfectly positioned to correct. Havok appeared in the original series as a member of X-Factor, demonstrating his powerful plasma-based abilities while establishing him as a capable hero in his own right. However, the emotional significance of his connection to Cyclops was never fully explored.
Recent hints suggest X-Factor may return in season 2, making Havok’s reappearance increasingly likely. If so, the timing could not be better. Cyclops has experienced enormous personal upheaval throughout X-Men ’97, from losing friends to being separated from much of the team across time.
Introducing (or finally acknowledging) his brother during such a turbulent period could create some of the season’s strongest character moments. It would also allow X-Men ‘97 to flesh out one of Marvel’s most important mutant families while giving Havok the spotlight he deserves.
