X-Men ’97 is the latest and wildly popular look at Marvel’s mutants but there are some heroes that deserve their debut in Season 2.

X-Men ’97 landed on Disney+ to uproarious admiration from fans of the original X-Men animated series and new fans alike. The first season of the sequel series caught fans off-guard with its larger-than-life visuals and complex storytelling that truly highlighted the cinematic power of the mutant struggle. But now that the initial season has concluded, fans have begun to speculate what Season 2 and beyond could have in store for the X-Men, their allies, and their foes.

The X-Men and mutantkind have a dense history in Marvel Comics, with hundreds of unique characters yet to make the leap to the small screen or silver screen. While some incredibly niche characters could make interesting cameos, it is the characters with rich backstories that most deserve the spotlight. Still, there are enough X-Men in the world of Marvel that even the most likely and deserving candidates can be overlooked.

10. Firestar Could Light Up the Screen In a Brilliant Return to the Marvel Animated Universe

Firestar first appeared in the series Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends .

Angelica Jones began her role in the Marvel Universe as an outsider, a trait all the X-Men can no doubt relate to. Even before she found out about her mutant identity, she was an outcast in every sense of the word. Eventually, however, she would star alongside Iceman as one of Peter Parker’s trusted allies in Spidey and His Amazing Friends, giving her the most mainstream role she would ever receive. Since then, she has remained more of a footnote in the Marvel Universe, which is a shame given her sparkling personality and unique powers — despite how typical they might seem at a glance.

Firestar has long been one of the most recognizable faces of the Marvel Animated Universe, and utilizing her in X-Men ’97 could be a wonderful return to form for her. Fans of vintage Marvel cartoons would no doubt be excited to see her make a comeback, and it would be interesting to see her blend in with other mutants would be a satisfying resolution of her constant search for belonging. If there’s one thing X-Men ’97 has succeeded at so far, it’s giving iconic characters complex and narratively fulfilling storylines, and it would be a true joy to see Firestar get this treatment.

9. Cecilia Reyes Could Be a Nice Addition to the Team’s Current Lineup of Supergeniuses

Cecilia Reyes first appeared in X-Men (Vol.2) #65 (by Scott Lobdell and Carlos Pacheco) in April 1997.

Cecilia Reyes is an incredibly compelling character in a myriad of ways, most notably in her complicated relationship with Charles Xavier and her mutant status. Although she would occasionally join the X-Men properly, the majority of her life was spent ignoring her mutant abilities and focusing on her career in the medical field. Historically, mutants heavily involved in the story of X-Men:The Animated Series and X-Men ’97 either aligned with the X-Men or took a more sinister approach to embracing their powers.

Dr. Reyes is an example of a character who just wanted to live her life as a human and, for the most part, accomplished that. Even still, her mutant identity persisted, and it is the kind of thing a person can never fully run from. This dilemma and Reyes’ wrestle with her intersecting identities are ripe with potential for the deep storytelling ’97 prides itself on, and it makes too much narrative sense to never act on the brilliance of Reyes’ character.

8. Marrow Is a Hidden Gem In the World of Morally Grey Mutants

Marrow first appeared in Cable #15 (by Jeph Loeb and David Brewer) in July 1994.

Marrow is a mutant whose identity was far from avoidable, leading her down many dark paths of both denial and grim acceptance. She would operate as something of an anti-hero, even taking up a more antagonistic role on most occasions. Frequently traveling between dimensions, Marrow would grapple with her powers alongside characters like Cable as she sought retribution for humanity’s disdain for the mutant community.

Marrow’s harsh struggles with the reality of life as a mutant blend perfectly with the narrative threads of X-Men ’97, even down to her ties to Cable, whose role in the series seems to only be increasing. Marrow’s moral ambiguity would offer a nice change of pace for the series and her unique powers could pose an interesting threat or asset for the team. She could even be a good segue into introducing the Morlock cult, a prominent organization that would pose a threat to the reputation of mutantkind in a manner that the X-Men would have no choice but to interfere with.

7. Maggott Is a One-of-a-Kind Mutant Whose Spunk Would Fit The ’97 Team Perfectly

Maggott first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #345 (by Scott Lobdell, Ben Raab, Joe Madureira and Melvin Rubi) in April 1997.

Maggott’s legacy is one of complex twists and turns, but the harsh reality is that he was kind of set up for failure from the get-go. Being born into poverty, Maggott’s biggest hurdle would prove to be his mutant manifestations: two slugs, Eany and Meany, who acted as his digestive system, permanently sat on his shoulders. Life would, unsurprisingly, be a struggle for the helpless mutant, who almost gave up on life entirely before finding refuge under the tutelage of Magneto.

Maggott stands as a tragic example of just how painfully unfair the life of a mutant can be, and his choice to follow Magneto after such a struggle is harder to disavow than his more wicked allies. Showcasing this one-of-a-kind experience with mutanthood could offer a compelling one-off tale in the ’97 universe. Alternatively, Maggott could simply join Magneto’s ranks and become another compelling foe for this version of the X-Men.

6. Kitty Pryde Is an Iconic X-Men Member Who Would Make For a Great Mentor For the Team’s Younger Members

Kitty Pryde first appeared in X-Men #129 (by Chris Claremont and John Byrne) in October 1979.

Katherine Pryde is one of the most prominent X-Men not to have appeared in either X-Men: The Animated Series or X-Men ’97. Back in the days of the original series, Kitty was left on the cutting room floor as the team opted to have Jubilee be the team’s younger rep, but now is the perfect opportunity to add Kitty into the fold as well. Better yet, she could offer guidance to Jubilee as an older version of herself, reflecting the path of a growing member of the team.

A compromise could even be made between classic Kitty and her more modern counterpart, Shadowcat. The narrative of self-experience that the character has experienced in recent years would be a wholesome and empowering addition to the animated X-Men canon. In all of her many appearances throughout the years, Kitty has proven that the complications of mutanthood cannot entirely dim the spark of those daring enough to keep living.

5. Cannonball Is a Young Mutant Who Would Make a Great Partner For ’97’s Sunspot

Cannonball first appeared in Marvel Graphic Novel #4 (by Chris Claremont and Bob McLeod) in September 1982.

Samuel Guthrie, also known as Cannonball, is an often overlooked mutant whose explosive abilities provide plenty of versatility whenever he’s involved. For starters, Samuel’s abilities would be a delight in the over-stylized format of X-Men ’97. Beyond that, however, there is a role within the team that needs to be filled, whether audiences realize it or not.

As a frequent member of the New Mutants lineup, Samuel could pose a brilliant addition to the current younger sect of the X-Men. Particularly alongside Jubilee and Sunspot, Cannonball would be a nice option for rounding out a trio of young members. As the team continues to expand and separate, it is likely that subgroups and spinoff teams could develop, and an iconic young mutant like Cannonball would be the perfect kind of character to solidify this trend.

4. Magik Is a Compelling Character Whose Origin Fits the Tone of the Series

Magik first appeared in Giant-Size X-Men #1 (by Len Wein and Dave Cockrum) in April 1975.

X-Men ’97 doesn’t shy away from the mystical elements of the Marvel universe, which makes the alluring Illyana Rasputina a promising inclusion in the world of the series. As a mutant whose powers derive from and feed into the realm of sorcery, Magik could open up a whole new door in the narrative of the series. Her popularity in the comics and supplementary material alike has only grown in recent years, meaning she has a healthy fanbase that would lose their minds to see her represented in the ultimate animated Marvel series.

Interestingly, Illyana made an informal cameo in Season 1 when Morph briefly borrowed her powers. This small taste of Magik in the animation style of ’97 just proves how electrifying her inclusion can be. Further, plotlines like the Goblin Queen’s involvement in Season 1 prove that the magical, wicked realms of the universe make for compelling and narratively sound additions to the series.

3. Selene Is the Kind of Ominous Foe X-Men ’97 Needs

Selene first appeared in New Mutants #9 (by Chris Claremont and Sal Buscema) in July 1983.

Selene represents the most sinister path a mutant can possibly follow. For centuries, she’s utilized her sorcery skills and immortality to lurk in the shadows and cause mischief, tormenting mankind the way they tormented her. This quest for revenge would lead her to becoming a prominent member of the Hellfire Club in modern times, and this would be the kind of role she would likely fulfill in X-Men ’97.

As the Hellfire Club rises from the ashes of the events of X-Men ’97 Season 1 with the survival of Emma Frost, now would be the perfect time for Selene to emerge and make herself known. With many of the mutants’ struggles occurring within the context of modern day society, it would be a breath of fresh air to see how a centuries-old mutant views the struggles of mutantkind’s interactions with humanity. Selene might not be an obvious choice for a Season 2 character, if the storytellers opt to incorporate the Hellfire Club, she’s kind of inevitable.

2. Dust Is a Wonderfully Complex Character Who Could Offer a Unique Perspective to the Team

Dust first appeared in New X-Men #133 (by Grant Morrison and Ethan van Sciver) in October 2002.

One of the most brilliant additions to the animated X-Men canon with ’97 is the way it doubles down on the diversity of the team in both the outward and inward ways. While the validity of Sooraya Qadir stretches far beyond her religious beliefs and origin, she would make a wonderful addition to the lineup. Furthermore, her powers, which are somewhat of a marriage between the abilities of Sandman and Jean Grey, are some of the most unique mutant abilities crafted since the conclusion of X-Men: The Animated Series.

Dust’s commitment to her beliefs sets her apart as a determined character even outside of the confines of the superhero world. This steadfast determination in worldview is something mirrored in much of ’97‘s cast, and it would allow Dust to fit right in. Her less prominent role in the Marvel canon also makes her a niche inclusion that could expand fans’ knowledge of the comics, which is always a plus.

1. Colossus Is a Recognizable X-Men Character Whose Absence in X-Men ’97 is Glaring

Colossus first appeared in Giant-Size X-Men #1 (by Len Wein and Dave Cockrum) in April 1975.

Colossus is one of the most jarring absences in X-Men ’97, especially given his blossoming popularity in the past couple of decades. Colossus is a goofy and yet incredibly powerful mutant. He blends the wholesome and more serious elements of the team, especially in his appearances in the Deadpool films. This version of the character would be perfect for the series.

Previously, the lovable Russian mutant made two minor appearances in one-off episodes of X-Men: The Animated Series. But refusing to utilize him further in ’97 would be a massive shame. This could be due to the initial season’s focus on expanding the arcs of the lead characters, which is fair, but future seasons would be the perfect place to reintroduce the metallic mutant fans have chosen as one of their favorites.