18 Major X-Men Returning in 2026: MCU’s Biggest Crossover Ever!

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In 2026, I’m thrilled to share that a multitude of X-Men characters will make their grand entrance, as we delve into the second season of X-Men ’97 and witness the release of Avengers: Doomsday. Remarkably, some of these beloved heroes will cross paths in both productions!

Over the last few years, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has gradually introduced characters from the X-Men and mutants into its storyline. Some notable instances are the introduction of Charles Xavier in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” and Hugh Jackman’s character Wolverine playing a key role in “Deadpool & Wolverine”.

Following a successful first season of Disney+’s animated “X-Men ’97” series, it was officially confirmed that the show would continue with another season. This implies that certain X-Men characters will rejoin the storyline at some point in the future. Interestingly, some actors who have portrayed X-Men characters in live-action films were also announced to be part of “Avengers: Doomsday”.

Every X-Men Character in the MCU’s 2026 Slate

Charles Xavier – X-Men ’97 & Avengers: Doomsday

By 2026, the head of the X-Men is expected to make appearances in not one but two Marvel Cinematic Universe productions. Two separate actors will take on the role for these distinct portrayals.

In the finale of X-Men ’97 Season 1, it’s worth noting that the character commonly known as Charles (or Professor X) was joined by a group of other heroes in journeying to ancient Egypt. This excursion occurred as a result of Asteroid M exploding.

It appears that the narrative in Season 2 continues from where it ended, implying that Professor X, Magneto, Rogue, Nightcrawler, and Beast will initially be part of the group at the start of the new season.

In terms of live-action, it’s confirmed that Professor X (previously portrayed by Patrick Stewart) will reappear in “Avengers: Doomsday”. His last appearance was in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”, but the version of him there met his end at the hands of Wanda Maximoff. For this upcoming film, they’ll be introducing a Professor X from another universe.

Information regarding Charles’ part in the movie “Doomsday” is still undisclosed, however, Stewart has been listed among Marvel Studios‘ cast for March. As per various sources, several scenes are set to occur at the X-Mansion, leading spectators to speculate that Charles will likely be found there.

Magneto – X-Men ’97 & Avengers: Doomsday

Like Charles Xavier, Magneto will also be present in both X-Men ’97 and Avengers: Doomsday.

As an ardent enthusiast, I couldn’t contain my excitement when sneak peeks for the second season of X-Men ’97 were unveiled at D23 in August 2024! However, it seemed like the spotlight was primarily on the fresh faces who would be joining our beloved characters in the upcoming episode.

In contrast, Magneto was previously spotted in ancient Egypt with Charles Xavier and a few other characters, implying that his story will likely continue within this timeline as the second season unfolds.

In the film “Avengers: Doomsday,” Magneto, a character previously seen in live-action for quite some time, will make his comeback and be brought to life by actor Ian McKellen, who played this exact role in Fox’s live-action X-Men movie series.

Sir Ian McKellen, similar to Patrick Stewart, was announced for a return, yet, just like him, specifics regarding McKellen’s character, Magneto, in the upcoming film remain undisclosed.

It’s interesting to point out that Sir Ian McKellen was seen close to where the principal filming of “Doomsday” took place, suggesting a significant role for him in the movie.

Cyclops – X-Men ’97 and Avengers: Doomsday

Cyclops is another character who will be seen in multiple MCU projects in 2026.

In “X-Men ’97”, Cyclops was undoubtedly a key figure, if not the central character, and it appears this role will persist in Season 2. As Season 1 concluded, Cyclops along with Jean Grey were transported 2,000 years into the future while other characters were sent to the past.

Evidence from D23 revealed that Cyclops is set to wear a fresh outfit inspired by the comic series “New X-Men” by Grant Morrison. The outfits feature a dominant navy blue color with an expansive, eye-catching yellow X symbol on them.

In the X-Men ’97 series, it was widely anticipated that Cyclops would be part of the storyline. However, his appearance in Avengers: Doomsday caught many off guard.

In the course of the recent casting unveil, it emerged that James Marsden would be making a comeback to the comic book movie sphere. Given his portrayal of Cyclops in the Fox X-Men films, there’s a strong likelihood he will take on that character once more in the upcoming film titled Doomsday.

Beast – X-Men ’97 & Avengers: Doomsday

In the first season of “X-Men ’97,” Beast was among the characters who were sent back in time to ancient Egypt alongside Magneto and Charles Xavier. As this story arc carries over into Season 2, viewers can anticipate Beast reappearing.

Just like the other characters previously announced, Beast is also set to appear in “Avengers: Doomsday”. After making a surprising debut in “The Marvels”, Kelsey Grammer will once again take on the role of the intelligent blue character in “Doomsday”.

Grammer was mentioned among the cast members when Marvel Studios announced their lineup for the movie “Doomsday“, yet specifics regarding the character’s involvement remain undisclosed.

Gambit – Avengers: Doomsday

According to official announcements, Gambit is set to appear in the movie “Avengers: Doomsday.” Channing Tatum, who was part of the cast announcement for this film, has hinted at possibly reprising his role as Gambit, although Marvel Studios has strongly suggested that he will indeed be playing that character.

It’s reasonable to expect that Gambit might also show up in X-Men ’97. Although he was killed off in Season 1, there were strong hints that he would come back to life under the control of Apocalypse, transforming into Death.

It appears that Gambit was absent from the D23 footage for X-Men ’97 Season 2, but there’s still a chance he might not make an appearance in the next season. However, it’s more likely that he will feature in some capacity.

Nightcrawler – X-Men ’97 & Avengers: Doomsday

In the D23 trailer for X-Men ’97, Nightcrawler made a brief appearance. The clip showcased him engaged in combat while dressed in Egyptian robes, which isn’t unexpected given his history of being transported 5,000 years into the past.

Just like when Ian McKellen’s name appeared, the news that Alan Cumming would be joining the cast of Avengers: Doomsday came as quite a surprise to many.

In 2003, Alan Cumming portrayed Nightcrawler in “X2”. Since then, he hasn’t appeared in the X-Men series. But now, it’s confirmed that he will be involved with “Doomsday”, marking the first time in more than two decades that we’ll see this character brought to life on screen once again.

Mystique – Avengers: Doomsday

Currently, Mystique has been officially confirmed for the film “Avengers: Doomsday“. In previous Fox’s “X-Men” trilogy, this character was portrayed by Rebecca Romijn. It has been announced that Romijn and Alan Cumming will be part of the cast for “Doomsday“, suggesting that she might return to her role from the early 2000s in this upcoming film.

In the year ’97, Mystique wasn’t among the prominent X-Men characters who made an appearance. There’s a chance she might debut in Season 2, but since she didn’t appear in the D23 trailer and no reliable source has confirmed her inclusion in the next installment, it’s anticipated (currently) that she won’t be there.

Jean Grey – X-Men ’97

In the storyline of X-Men ’97’s first season, Jean Grey plays a significant role. By the finale of this series, she was propelled 2,000 years into the future where she joined forces with Cyclops.

It has been noted that in Season 2, the X-Men are set to unveil some fresh costumes. A glimpse of one of these new outfits can be spotted on Jean Grey in the D23 teaser.

It’s plausible that character Jean Grey might make an appearance in Avengers: Doomsday, however, Marvel Studios hasn’t officially confirmed it yet. The announcement they made didn’t disclose all cast members or potential surprises for the film, so there’s a possibility she could be part of it.

Wolverine – X-Men ’97

In X-Men ’97’s first season, Wolverine played a less prominent role, but it’s been confirmed that he will reappear in Season 2.

At D23, the presented footage primarily focused on Wolverine. The trailer substantiated a significant plot twist: Wolverine has regenerated from Magneto extracting his Adamantium. In the footage, Wolverine was shown with retracted claws, hinting at his return to his original form. Moreover, he was dressed in one of the latest costumes.

According to what we know about Jean Grey, there’s a chance Wolverine might appear in “Doomsday”, although this isn’t definitive yet. Given that he’s previously been seen in “Deadpool & Wolverine”, it seems plausible that Wolverine could be part of the movie, but since Marvel Studios hasn’t officially confirmed his role, we can only speculate that he won’t feature in the film.

Rogue – X-Men ’97

In the finale of season 1 from ’97, Rogue was among the characters compelled to travel back in time. As it’s been verified that these characters will initially remain in that timeline during season 2, viewers can expect to witness more of Rogue set within that era.

In a conversation with Screen Rant, voice actor Lenore Zann, known for her role as Rogue, revealed that she completed all her recordings for Season 2 by June 2024. She also hinted at exciting developments in store for the character Rogue.

Zann didn’t give much away but did reveal that Rogue “wants justice for Remy:”

During the second season, I’ve already filmed the second season and I’m really enjoying following Rogue’s storyline. Her quest persists, as she seeks justice for Remy, and nothing or no one will deter her from achieving it.

It appears that Rogue’s focus in Season 2 might shift towards seeking justice for Gambit, suggesting a stronger possibility of his character reappearing as Death.

Bishop – X-Men ’97

Bishop was one of the only characters in ’97 Season 1 to stay in the present timeline.

Towards the close of the current season, hints were dropped suggesting a future reunification of the X-Men, joined this time by Forge. Given that Forge is on board, it’s likely that Season 2 will see the resurfacing of X-Factor, as the X-Men are temporarily absent.

Whatever the case may be, Bishop in Season 2 is a high likelihood.

Danger – X-Men ’97

Danger is one of the new faces who will be showing up in X-Men ’97 Season 2.

In the upcoming season, there isn’t a lot of information available yet regarding her specific part, but the D23 clip has verified her appearance. The character appeared fleetingly in the clip, however, it is confirmed that she will appear in person.

Havok – X-Men ’97

In the season 2 sneak peeks shown at D23, a significant new character appeared: Havok, also known as Alex Summers, Cyclops’ sibling.

In the D23 footage, Havok appeared alongside Polaris, two heroes, also featuring Forge and Bishop. As previously discussed, if the X-Men are absent, it seems that X-Factor will handle the current situation. The trailer’s inclusion of Polaris and Havok lends credence to this theory, as they were members of X-Factor in the original animated series based on X-Men.

Polaris – X-Men ’97

In the D23 footage, Polaris could be spotted with Havok, implying they were teaming up, and it seemed like she might be collaborating with Forge in the current time frame.

Polaris, also known as Lorna Dane, is one of Magneto’s numerous offspring. Like him, she possesses the ability to control and move metallic objects due to her magnetic powers.

Sabretooth – X-Men ’97

The D23 footage also showed that Sabretooth will be a villain in X-Men ’97 Season 2.

It’s possible that the character won’t have a major impact on the story, but given their long-standing rivalry, it seems likely that they will face off against Wolverine.

Lady Deathstrike – X-Men ’97

For Season 2, it has been verified that Lady Deathstrike, one of Wolverine’s adversaries, will make an appearance. However, specifics regarding the scope of her part in the season remain undisclosed, as the footage only provided a fleeting glimpse of her character.

Warlock – X-Men ’97

In the second season of the ’90s X-Men animation, the character Warlock will make a comeback. Warlock belongs to a collective consciousness known as The Phalanx, an entity that was previously depicted in the initial run of the animated X-Men series.

In that series, Warlock had a fleeting moment, yet I’m thrilled to share that I, as a dedicated fan, can confirm his comeback in Season 2, based on the exciting sneak peek we got at D23!

Apocalypse – X-Men ’97

From the D23 footage, it’s clear that Apocalypse will play a significant role as the antagonist in X-Men ’97 Season 2. In fact, this character was already introduced in Season 1 and played key parts in various storylines. Currently, he seems to be attempting to revive Gambit, but interestingly, a younger version of him is also present in ancient Egypt along with Charles Xavier, Magneto, and the rest of the team.

Viewers can anticipate that they’ll encounter Apocalypse frequently during Season 2, given the trailer implies he’ll have a significant part in the season.

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2025-04-28 06:37