X-Men '97 returns while He-Man film struggles for audience attention
Both Marvel and Mattel are leaning on nostalgia in 2026, but X-Men '97 season 2 maintains viewer interest while the Masters of the Universe live-action film flops financially.
In 2026, Marvel and Mattel are both releasing projects banking on nostalgia for childhood animated heroes. X-Men '97 season 2 continues the beloved animated series, while Masters of the Universe brings a live-action He-Man to cinemas. Both are made by passionate fans and packed with Easter eggs.
However, the key difference lies in how well the franchises have been kept alive in pop culture. X-Men '97 season 2 splits its team across different time periods — ancient Egypt and a far-future — fighting the immortal mutant Apocalypse (Ross Marquand). The season draws from 1994's 'The Adventures of Cyclops and Phoenix' and 1996's 'Rise of Apocalypse,' as well as more recent X-Men comic lore.
Marvel has never let the X-Men fade away. Despite terrible Fox movies, there were always enough comics and TV series to keep fans hopeful. X-Men '97 was a ratings hit when it debuted in 2024.
In contrast, He-Man's cultural prominence has waned since the original 1983–1985 cartoon. Mattel's new film has earned only $54.4 million against a $200 million budget. It attempted to critique toxic masculinity like 'Barbie,' but that hasn't convinced audiences to care. Mattel has not done enough to build emotional connection with He-Man's world.
X-Men '97 season 2 hits Disney+ on July 1; Masters of the Universe is already in theaters.
