Who Is X-Force In 'X-Men '97'?
X-Men ‘97 Season 2 starts streaming on Disney+ on July 1, 2026, and will blow the lid off the lore that comes from the comics while integrating decades of history into one season. But one of the best additions comes in the form of Cable’s X-Force. Cable, of course, is a powerful, time-traveling mutant who decided the X-Men’s response to threats wasn’t satisfactory and needed a "Get them before they get you" approach. Hence, the birth of X-Force.
Based on the Marvel Comics team of the same name, the show’s version of X-Force has a more distinct mission while still being brutal. Below, let’s break down why the team was created in the comics, how the show’s version is different, and who is on the team.
The Difference Between X-Force in the Comics and ’X-Men ‘97’
In the comics, the X-Force was born from the foundations of Xavier's New Mutants. When they were no longer students, Cable took it upon himself to train the students into an elite fighting force. But being that Cable was far more militant, it was a tough adjustment period.
Some teammates died, and others left after their first missions. However, even though Cable’s team fractured by the end, it proved that a team like X-Force was still needed. If the X-Men were heroes, then X-Force were the mercenaries who did the dirty work for the greater good, and the team changed the canon forever.
’X-Men ‘97’s X-Force is More Brutal With One Mission
Following the events from the past and future timelines in X-Men ‘97, Apocalypse set his sights on the ‘90s as a time to properly mount his offensive ahead of his global takeover. But Cable, being a time traveler, knows what’s coming and assembles a team of people who have a bone to pick with Apocalypse to stop him.
Catching those that work under him, they use their skills to pry into the minds of Apocalypse’s minions and often kill them afterward. While some members don’t agree with their methods, the X-Force established early on that they aren’t trying to play hero. What results is a highly tactical and skilled team that can operate undercover and get information when needed. But in a mission to stop a nearly unstoppable mutant, they have no choice but to embrace brutality.
’X-Men ‘97’s X-Force Roster Pulls From the Show’s History
When it comes to the team that makes up the X-Force, it’s a mix of teams from past and more recent comic iterations. With Cable leading, the rest of the characters are from various parts of the original show’s history as well.
From the X-Men team, only Jubilee and Sunspot joined, but they updated their suits, with Sunspot’s looking more like his traditional comic look from his time on the team. Psylocke also joined the team, as well as Archangel, with these two being far more intense about their mission than Jubilee.
Ultimately, X-Men ‘97 Season 2’s X-Force is all about getting the job done and ending things quickly, and the efficient roster adds to this. Psylocke, being a ninja assassin, while Archangel carries a specific hate for Apocalypse, all add to the anger that fuels the small team and makes them a far cry from this version’s X-Men.
