- Primary Subject: X-Men '97 Season 2, Episode 7
- Key Update: Episode 7 introduces a major twist involving a surprising character fate that shifts the season's villain storyline.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: July 29, 2026
- Quick Answer: Episode 7 uncovers a major casualty that challenges expectations, raising new questions about the true force behind the season's central threat.
X-Men '97 has already proven it's not afraid to kill off major characters, with Gambit and Magneto among its most shocking casualties. But Season 2, Episode 7, "Strange Land, Savage Heart," delivers another unexpected death, though it may not be exactly what it seems.
While Gambit and Magneto are seemingly destined to return as Apocalypse's Horsemen of Death and War, a major twist suggests that not everything is as straightforward as it appears.
So, what really happened? Who died, and will they stay dead? Here's everything you need to know.
Warning: Major X-Men '97 Season 2 Episode 7 Spoilers Ahead.
Who Died in X-Men ‘97 Season 2, Episode 7?
The ending of X-Men '97 Season 2, Episode 6, "Danger.exe," seemingly confirmed Gambit's resurrection.
While many fans expected him to become one of Apocalypse's Horsemen, just as he did in the comics, Episode 7 suggests the series may have had other plans.
Instead, it appears Gambit killed Apocalypse shortly after the villain resurrected him.
In Episode 7, Cable continues his hunt for Apocalypse, only to discover the villain's lifeless husk. Jubilee then finds one of Gambit's signature charged playing cards beside the body, strongly implying that Gambit was responsible for Apocalypse's apparent death.
Judging by the evidence, Apocalypse's Horseman transformation may have failed to fully control Gambit. Whether because of the resurrection process itself or Gambit's sheer willpower, he seemingly turned against the ancient mutant instead of serving him.
Although the Celestial Eson granted Apocalypse a crucial cosmic role, believing that beings like him are necessary for humanity's evolution, the death of Apocalypse doesn't necessarily mean that mission has ended.
Eson could simply choose another mutant to assume the mantle and continue fulfilling that purpose.
With X-Men '97 seemingly taking the story in a different direction from the comics, fans may soon be introduced to an entirely new main villain.
Is Apocalypse Really Dead in X-Men ‘97?
X-Men '97 Season 2, Episode 7 never actually shows a battle between Apocalypse and Gambit, nor does it confirm that Gambit killed the ancient mutant.
Instead, the X-Force discovers only Apocalypse's lifeless husk. While this strongly suggests his demise, the reveal could easily be a misdirection.
After all, this version of Apocalypse isn't yet in his prime. A time traveler from the distant future, he has been actively searching for a suitable host to ensure his survival.
Episodes 1 and 2 even hinted that Apocalypse may have transferred his consciousness into Cable. If that's the case, it's entirely possible that Apocalypse survived and later moved into Gambit's body instead.
Another possibility is that Apocalypse physically died but managed to transfer his spirit into Gambit during the resurrection process.
Although Gambit may have resisted Apocalypse's control and seemingly defeated him, the villain's essence could still be lingering within his new host.
If that's the direction X-Men '97 is taking, fans may soon see a very different version of Gambit as Season 2 continues.
X-Men ‘97 Seasons 1 and 2 stream on Disney+.
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