Why "X-Men’97" Could Become Marvel’s Next Great Multimedia Franchise

Author’s Note: potential future expansions of the universe that Marvel Animation and Disney might undertake.

When X-Men’97 premiered in 2024, it carried an enormous responsibility. 

It wasn’t just another animated Disney series. It was the continuation of one of the most beloved superhero cartoons ever created: X-Men: The Animated Series. For many fans, the original show was their introduction to Marvel’s mutants, the complicated themes of prejudice and acceptance, and the idea that superheroes could tell stories that reflected real-world struggles.

The challenge was simple: Could a sequel series honor the legacy of the original while creating something meaningful for a new generation?

The answer has been a resounding yes. 

Rather than existing purely as a nostalgia project, X-Men’97 has proven that the X-Men still have limitless storytelling potential. The series has embraced storytelling, complex character development, political themes, and emotional storytelling in a way that feels both classical and modern. 

But what if X-Men’97 became more than a successful Disney+ series?

What if it became Marvel Animation’s first true multimedia franchise?

Marvel already has many of the pieces necessary to make this happen. With the right strategy, X-Men’97 could expand beyond television through animated films, canon comics, novels, theme park experiences, and more–creating an interconnected universe where every medium offers fans a new way to experience the world of the X-Men. 

The Series Should Remain the Heart of the Franchise

Before discussing expansion, there is one important rule Marvel should follow:

The television series must always remain the foundation.

One of the biggest challenges facing modern franchises is the fear that audiences must consume every piece of content to understand the major story. When viewers feel like they need to watch a dozen movies, read multiple books, and follow ​​several spin-offs just to understand what’s happening, it can become overwhelming. 

A successful X-Men’97 franchise should avoid that problem.

The show should continue to tell the essential stories: the major conflicts, character arcs, and emotional moments that define this universe. Everything else should enhance the experience, not complicate it. 

Fortunately, Marvel has already taken steps toward this approach. 

The Canon Comics Are Already Expanding the Universe
Marvel has already published canon comic stories set within the X-Men’97 timeline.

One series serves as a prelude to the season, while another functions as a bridge toward Season Two. The comics cleverly expand the shared universe by providing context instead of altering the core narrative. 

This is exactly how tie-in storytelling should work. 

Fans who only watch the animated series can still understand the overall narrative. Meanwhile, dedicated fans receive additional character moments, background information, and world-building. Marvel's comics demonstrate their understanding of the value of expansion.

The next logical step would be to explore additional storytelling formats. 

An Animated Movie Could Become a Major Franchise Event
If X-Men’97 continues for many seasons, Marvel should consider producing a theatrical animated film set between seasons.

This would not replace the series. Instead, it would become an event. 

A film could allow Marvel Animation to tell a story on a larger scale than a traditional episode. It could feature a massive threat, a major crossover, or a storyline that requires a bigger budget and a cinematic experience. Imagine a season slowly building toward a mysterious threat. Small details appear throughout the episodes. Characters discover something dangerous happening behind the scenes. 

Then, during the break between seasons, audiences experience the full story on the big screen. When the next season begins, viewers return to see how the film's events have changed the characters and the world around them. 

This approach would reward longtime fans while still allowing the show to remain the centerpiece. 

The theatrical viability of animated superhero films has already been proven. The success of projects like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse demonstrated that audiences will gladly embrace bold, animated storytelling when a strong creative vision guides it.

The X-Men are more than ready for that opportunity.

Canon Novels Could Give Fans Deeper Character Stories

Another opportunity would be something I have previously advocated for: canon Marvel novels. 

Novels offer a unique experience by allowing readers to delve into a character's inner life—their thoughts, emotions, anxieties, and personal conflicts—in ways that television cannot always capture. While comics excel at expanding a universe visually, prose provides a deeper, internal perspective. 

Imagine a novel focusing on Storm’s responsibilities as a leader and her complicated relationship with power. 

Consider a narrative about Kitty Pryde that charts her formative years as a mutant and X-Men member, finding her footing in the world. Similarly, a tale about Nightcrawler could delve into his deep-seated faith, enduring optimism, and constant quest to find the good in humanity.

These stories would not need to be required reading.n They would exist for fans who want a deeper connection with these characters. 

Marvel already understands that different audiences enjoy different forms of storytelling. Canon novels would simply provide another doorway into the X-Men’97 timeline.

Disney Parks Could Bring the Mutant World to Life
Perhaps the most exciting possibility is expanding X-Men’97 into the Disney Parks.

The global expansion of Guardians of the Galaxy across Disney resorts has already demonstrated how Marvel franchises can be transformed into immersive real-world experiences.

The lesson is clear.

The X-Men are an ideal fit for turning popular franchises into travel destinations. Picture visiting a real-world attraction modeled after Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters. Visitors would be able to climb aboard the Blackbird and embark on an adventure with Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, Jean Grey, Sunspot, Jubilee, Rogue, Morph, and the rest of the crew.

A live stunt show could feature the X-Men defending the world from Sentinel attacks. 

Character encounters could allow guests to meet their favorite mutants while wearing iconic designs from the show. 

Guests could enjoy a dining experience hosted inside the Xavier Institute, where an unexpected threat disrupts a festive celebration, demanding the intervention of the school's newest recruits.

Far from being mere amusements, these immersive opportunities would allow fans to truly step into the narrative and become part of the unfolding story.

A Long-Term Future Creates Endless Possibilities

The possibility of X-Men’97 continuing for many seasons makes this discussion even more exciting. 

Members of the creative team have expressed enthusiasm for the show’s long-term potential, including the possibility of a larger episode count. While future seasons beyond officially announced ones are not guaranteed, the enthusiasm demonstrates that the creators see tremendous possibilities ahead. 

That longevity matters. A franchise cannot build a deep universe overnight. It requires time. Time to introduce new characters. Time to explore different corners of the world. Time to allow relationships and conflicts to develop naturally. 

The X-Men have more than sixty years of comic book history filled with stories waiting to be adapted, reimagined, and expanded. 

A long-running animated series could become the foundation for something truly special.

Marvel Has the Opportunity to Build Something Unique

The future of X-Men’97 should not be about producing more episodes. It should be about building an entire experience.

The series can remain the heart of the story. The comics can provide additional chapters. The novels can explore character perspectives. The films can deliver major events. The parks can allow fans to step inside the world. 

Each medium can serve a different purpose while strengthening the overall franchise. 

The most important thing is that Marvel approaches expansion carefully. More content does not automatically create a better universe. Quality, consistency, and respect for the characters must always come first.