Marvel Studios’ highly anticipated animated series, X-Men ’97, set to debut on Disney+, is facing a disappointing release update. Initially scheduled for a Fall 2023 premiere, the reboot of X-Men: The Animated Series was expected to be the first Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) project featuring the beloved mutants, preceding Hugh Jackman’s return as Deadpool in Deadpool 3.

Reasons For The Delay: Speculations And Impact On The MCU Schedule

While Marvel Studios previously announced a Fall 2023 release for X-Men ’97 at San Diego Comic-Con, recent evidence indicates that the original timeline is no longer valid. The United States copyright registration for Episode 1 of X-Men ’97 reveals a projected publication date of January 3, 2024. Although this new date aligns with prior rumors and reports suggesting a 2024 delay, showrunner Beau DeMayo has remained cryptic, neither confirming nor denying the speculations.

The potential January 3, 2024 release may serve as a placeholder, considering it falls on the first Wednesday of the year. It is essential to note that the actual release date for the series in 2024 remains unspecified at this time.

Uncertainties Ahead: Writer’s Strike And Potential Effects On Release

While Marvel Studios has not officially confirmed the delay of X-Men ’97, it is expected that an announcement will follow in the coming weeks. The presence of a publication date indicates progress, especially as Marvel has already revealed the show’s main characters and associated merchandise. A 2024 release could potentially benefit the Disney+ series, as the Fall 2023 MCU lineup is already packed with other highly anticipated projects such as Loki, The Marvels, and Echo.

Prior to the writer’s strike, rumors of X-Men ’97’s delay were circulating online, often attributed to Marvel Studios’ Phase 5 “correction.” The impact of the strike on the animated show’s release, both in the past and potentially in the future, remains uncertain.

As fans eagerly await further updates, the X-Men ’97 series continues to generate excitement despite the setbacks, promising a fresh take on the beloved animated series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.