X-Men ’97 episode 5 appeared to set up a war between the X-Men and a hidden villain, but the mutants may be stuck in the middle of a different battle.

A split image of Magneto and Mr. Sinister from X-Men '97

Warning! This article contains spoilers for X-Men ’97 episode 5.

An intriguing theory regarding X-Men ’97 episode 5 suggests that the X-Men could be caught amid an epic war between two villains. Many Marvel audiences were emotionally damaged by the events of X-Men ’97‘s fifth episode. Everything seemed perfect at Genosha until a Godzilla-like sentinel attacked the city, seemingly killing hundreds or thousands of mutants, including Magneto and Gambit. The deaths were shocking, and viewers were devastated by the potential loss of a beloved member of the X-Men.

Since the season is only halfway done, plenty still needs to be resolved about this attack. Cable delivered a warning before the attack occurred, suggesting an unknown villain could be behind the destructive event. Many theories point toward Cassandra Nova, Professor Xavier’s evil sister and rumored villain in Deadpool & Wolverine. However, an intriguing theory suggests audiences may be looking in the wrong direction as the attack could be the beginning of a war between Mr. Sinister and Apocalypse.

Mr. Sinister Could Have Been Trying To Create X-Man To Fight Apocalypse

Mr. Sinister fighting the X-Men in X-Men '97

In episode 3 of X-Men ’97, Mr. Sinister kidnaps Nathan Summers and experiments on him before he is interrupted by the X-Men. While Nathan is saved, he is poisoned by a Techno-Organic Virus and taken to the future by Bishop to find a cure. It’s revealed in episode 5 that Nathan became Cable and traveled back in time to warn his mother, Madelyn Pryor, about the incoming attack. However, Cable wasn’t Mr. Sinister’s goal, as he wanted to use Nathan for his own benefit.

According to a Reddit theory shared by Samathy, Mr. Sinister could have been trying to create Nate Grey, a.k.a. X-Man. In The Age of Apocalypse comics storyline, Nate is the son of Cyclops and Jean Grey, artificially created by Mr. Sinister. He is an Omega-Level mutant with enormous telekinetic abilities, along with the ability to manipulate energy, travel through different dimensions, and teleport. In the comics, Mr. Sinister creates him in a power bid against Apocalypse but turns against his creator after Cyclops helps him escape.

Why The X-Men May Need Nate Grey To Win The Upcoming War

Nate Grey uses his powers while flying in a Marvel comic.

According to the theory, Cable’s “He is coming” warning could have referred to Apocalypse, not the sentinel that attacked. If it’s Apocalypse, Nate Grey could be the only mutant powerful enough to defeat him. The X-Men could turn to Mr. Sinister as an unlikely ally, teaming up with him to create Nate and defeat Apocalypse. It would also be a way to address the child that Jean Grey and Cyclops never had together, but it may also require Cyclops to say goodbye to another son.

As shown in the X-Men ’97 mid-season trailer, Mr. Sinister will return, so his story with the X-Men for this season isn’t over yet. As far as the main villain, it could be Cassandra Nova or it could be Apocalypse. Plenty of questions remain unanswered, like if the major deaths will remain permanent, but it’s exciting to think about where X-Men ’97 is headed.