Weighted walking has moved from military training grounds to suburban sidewalks, and one question keeps coming up for people trying it. Can strapping on a loaded pack actually fix the slump that hours at a desk leave behind? Rucking posture is the piece of the trend that fitness pros, physical therapists and everyday walkers say delivers the fastest change.

The short answer from experts and athletes who have tested it is yes, though the reasons involve more than just carrying weight.

How Rucking Works on Your Posture

The load in a rucksack forces muscles that most people ignore to switch on. Lara Heimann, a physical therapist and yoga instructor, told Peloton that “when you’re wearing a backpack, your upper trapezius muscles, shoulders and upper back muscles have to engage, and that can be really helpful for people who have weak upper back muscles and poor posture.”

Grinder Gym breaks the effect into three parts. The pack loads the shoulders, traps and upper back, which are the muscles responsible for keeping shoulders pulled back rather than rounded forward. The core has to stabilize the body under the added weight, building a stronger foundation for the spine. And the load itself acts as a nudge against slouching, since leaning forward with weight on your back quickly becomes uncomfortable.

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That discomfort is the tell. Tony Vacharasanee, an avid rucker and NASM-certified personal trainer, told Shape that “it’s extremely uncomfortable to have bad posture while rucking.” He recommends positioning weight over the midfoot, leaning the trunk forward slightly and keeping the torso tall instead of slumping.

Can Rucking Improve Posture in Everyday Life

The people who have tried it say the change shows up fast. Kelsey Kryger tracked 30 days of rucking for Men’s Journal and wrote that within the first few walks she could feel her upper back tiring and her shoulders rounding forward. She traced it to her desk job.

“After the first week, my body started to adjust. The weight felt more manageable, and I didn’t feel like I was fighting my posture the entire time. I even started noticing the difference during my workdays too, catching myself sitting a bit taller and being more aware of my posture rather than defaulting to that usual slump,” Kryger wrote.

Amy Glover reported similar carryover for HuffPost. “I stuck to ‘weighted walking’ for my last four rambles, and have to say I think it’s even improved my non-walking posture,” she wrote, crediting a new awareness of what her core and shoulders should feel like when her torso is upright.

“Rucking strengthens the muscles that keep your spine upright,” said Dan Fahey of Gritty Soldier Fitness. “Over time, this can improve posture and reduce common low-back issues caused by weakness and inactivity.”

Why Posture Matters for Your Overall Health

The stakes go beyond looking taller. Good posture helps prevent aches in the back, neck and shoulders, cuts the risk of sports injuries and reduces wear on joints, especially the spine, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Slouching does the opposite. RUKSAK notes that hunching forward stresses the spine and can lead to degenerative changes over time, raising the risk of conditions like osteoarthritis and herniated discs, while also affecting nutrient absorption, mood and cognitive function.

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How to Avoid Common Rucking Mistakes

Form matters. Mari-Carmen Sanchez-Morris, a former nurse and women’s health and fitness coach, told Patient that hunching under the load is the fastest way to strain your back.

“To avoid this, keep your shoulders back, stand tall and engage your core as you walk,” she said. “Wearing the wrong shoes is another pitfall. Make sure you’re using supportive walking or hiking shoes to keep your feet comfortable and reduce your chance of blisters or injury.”

Stride also counts. Deliberate stepping, pulling the leg forward with the hip and driving off the back leg, produces the muscle engagement that pays off in better alignment. Beginners should start with a light load and add weight gradually to avoid injury.

Get a rundown of Us Weekly‘s top stories making headlines in celebrity news, sports and entertainment on July 1, 2026. Here are the key takeaways:

• A Utah court denied Tate Paul‘s temporary restraining order against ex-wife Taylor Frankie Paul, finding insufficient evidence of immediate harm and noting that Taylor had the children while Tate traveled to Iceland from June 11-17, according to court documents obtained by Us.

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• Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce‘s wedding will span two days at Madison Square Garden in New York City, with an intimate rehearsal dinner on Thursday, July 2, followed by a ceremony and reception for more than 1,000 guests on Friday, July 3. Guests were required to sign NDAs and a strict no-phone policy is in place, per sources who spoke with Us.

• Nara Smith revealed that her daughter Whimsy was diagnosed with cancer late last year and has begun chemotherapy after doctors confirmed the disease had spread. The influencer shared the emotional update in an Instagram reel posted on Tuesday, June 30, saying her “heart dropped” when she first suspected the diagnosis.

Edited by Samantha Benitz. Story produced with AI assistance

The Eurovision Song Contest is expanding its reach in a historic move, with Canada now set to join the competition from 2027.

The change comes after CBC/Radio-Canada was admitted as a full member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) last week.

Canada will become the first new participant to join the contest since Australia in 2015, with the country slated to send an act to the next edition of the Eurovision Song Contest in Bulgaria.

Since its launch in 1956, the Eurovision Song Contest has grown into one of the world’s biggest live televised music competitions. Organized by the European Broadcasting Union, the annual contest features public broadcasters from Europe and other eligible participating countries.

Canada is now set to join the competition after CBC/Radio-Canada became the latest full member of the EBU following more than seven decades as an associate member.

The decision to grant the broadcaster full membership was approved last Thursday during a vote at the EBU’s General Assembly in Prague, per CBC.

With the addition of CBC/Radio-Canada, the EBU’s membership has expanded to 115 organizations representing 57 countries.

Canada Too Late For This Year’s Eurovision

Since this year’s Eurovision Song Contest already took place in Vienna, Austria, in May, CBC/Radio-Canada will only be able to submit an entry for the next edition, which will be hosted by Bulgaria.

The submission process for the competition varies from year to year, but the deadline is typically set several months before the competition begins in May.

For now, Canada is set to join countries such as Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, and Luxembourg, whose broadcasters have already expressed interest in participating. CBC/Radio-Canada has confirmed that Canada will send an act to the 2027 contest, with details on how the country’s entry will be selected to be announced later this year.

CBC president Marie-Philippe Bouchard said participation “will allow Canadian talent to be showcased on one of the most storied music stages in the world.”

CBC Membership Opens Wider Media Access

Beyond becoming eligible to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, CBC/Radio-Canada also stands to enjoy several additional benefits as a newly admitted full member of the EBU.

According to a joint release, the public broadcaster will now have access to “networks for investigative journalism, verification, digital news and data, as well as the Eurovision News Exchange and Euroradio Music Exchange services.”

The exchange also allows members to share live and edited news coverage, enabling CBC to provide even more coverage for its viewers at home.

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“This new chapter in our relationship with the EBU and its members will deepen our cooperation at a time when the collective impact of public service media is essential,” Marie-Philippe Bouchard, president and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada, shared in a statement.

“It’s an important milestone that will benefit people on both sides of the Atlantic by helping to combat disinformation and support cultural expression,” added the exec.

EBU Says Canada Makes Eurovision ‘Stronger’

Bouchard’s remarks were echoed by EBU Director General Noel Curran, who also praised CBC/Radio-Canada for its contributions to journalism and public service broadcasting.

“As one of the world’s leading public broadcasters, it has already contributed hugely to our union — helping us set and uphold the standards of public service journalism that matter most right now,” Curran said of the public broadcaster.

“Full membership means we can now do even more together…. Canada’s voice in this community makes us stronger,” he added in his statement.

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Director Martin Green also described Canada’s accession as a signal that, regardless of its European origins, the contest “continues to welcome the world.”

Why Canada Pushed For A Eurovision Spot

Interest in Canada joining the Eurovision Song Contest first surfaced last year, when Prime Minister Mark Carney mentioned the possibility in the federal government’s 2025 budget, presented in November.

Canadians have also competed in Eurovision before under different flags, most famously Céline Dion, who won the 1988 contest while representing Switzerland.

Later that month, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne explained the reasoning behind the move.

“I think it’s a platform for Canada to shine,” Champagne said, per The Guardian. “This is about protecting our identity – yes, we want to protect our sovereignty, but you also want to help people in the arts sector and in the film industry to make sure they can shine around the world. And we have a lot to offer as Canadians.”

If you dread swimsuit shopping, you’re not alone. For years, we’ve compared the process of finding something flattering to light torture, ranking somewhere between dental work and figuring out your taxes. This year, however, we’re making the process easier on ourselves. Rather than experimenting with random finds that never follow through on their ‘slimming’ and ‘supportive’ promises, or include details that dig into our skin, we’re going straight to the brand that’s never betrayed Us: Lands’ End.

ICYMI, the tried-and-true brand is shoppable on Amazon, which is great news since it’s the one label we know that’s perfected shapewear-style compression, strategic ruching and wrap fronts that flatter without squeezing. Plus, the prints, colors and cuts are actually cute and stylish — not matronly or dated. To get you on the right track for summer fun, we’ve rounded up 18 Lands’ End swimsuits that deliver support, smart coverage and plenty of style. Bonus: A number of options are available in petite and plus sizes, so you can really find the perfect fit.

The Best Slimming, Size-Inclusive Swimsuits From Lands’ End

1. Our Favorite: The wrap design on this side-tie one-piece crosses at the waist, helping to define your shape without squeezing, pinching or putting your stomach on display. With a chic floral print, it’s the kind of suit you reach for first whenever you’re waterside.

2. Practically Shapewear: Thanks to innovative Slendertex fabric, this V-neck one-piece sculpts and smooths the waist and tummy without feeling like a corset.

3. Cool Cutout: Sadly, cutout suits usually mean giving up support — but not this pick! The not-so-basic black design sneaks in boning along the sides, keeping everything held in place while still showing skin.

4. Pretty Peplum: Is the tummy area your main concern? Scoop up this peplum one-piece, which nips at the waist before flowing freely, keeping everything well covered in a trendy, whimsical way.

5. Mix and Match: Skip the frumpy tankinis or bikinis that you don’t feel comfy in; this midkini top is the perfect in-between. The asymmetrical top pairs well with almost every bottom, and the removable strap gives you two looks in one.

6. Non-Cheeky Bottoms: High-waisted bottoms aren’t always the right choice, especially if you have to keep readjusting as you run after the kids. This non-booty-baring, ruched alternative provides the same level of coverage (even in the back!) but isn’t constricting and won’t flip down when you move.

7. The Ultimate Find: Underwire support, UPF 50 sun protection, a sporty scoop neck — this $55 one-piece has it all. If you buy one suit this season, make it this pick.

8. Fashion Meets Function: Not only does this cutout one-piece feature adjustable straps and a customizable back tie, but it also comes in petite and plus sizes. The mixed prints add visual interest, and shoppers note that the full-coverage pick doesn’t ride up.

9. Somewhere in the Middle: This two-piece midkini offers more coverage than a bikini, but it’s the details that make it a must-have. The high-cut bottoms elongate the legs, while the top features a soft-cup bra that gently lifts and supports without underwire.

10. Fun Fauxkini: Sure, it looks like a two-piece, but this stylish fauxkini is actually one connected suit. The ruffled design adds movement and personality while keeping the midsection covered.

11. New Go-To: Shoppers say they reach for this one-piece pick on repeat, and we don’t blame them. The teal ombre design reads as polished, the ruching is perfectly placed and the shapewear-like material smooths and shapes without feeling constricting.

12. Stylish Swimdress: No post-swim outfit change required! This printed swimdress is far from the one your grandma wore. The cutouts make the suit extra cute, and aside from including shorts underneath, it also has pockets!

13. Really Ribbed: The texture on this V-neck one-piece adds visual interest without a busy print. We also like that the low-cut neckline shows off the girls in a flattering, non-risqué kind of way.

14. Forever Classic: If you simply want a reliable suit that fits, complements your shape and doesn’t feel ‘old lady,’ this $60 floral one-piece is it. The simple scoop neck never feels dated, and the ruching sneakily slims your midsection.

15. For Bigger Busts: Engineered specifically for D cups, this supportive tankini top has convertible adjustable straps that can be worn straight or crossed. It offers real support without costing big bucks.

16. O-La-La: Looking for something that’s a step up from basic? Try this O-ring monokini. The cutout detail works to define your middle and create a waist, while the two-tone color blocking gives the suit a fashion-forward spin.

17. Double Duty: Want more coverage up top without a sporty cut? The high neckline on this flowy swim top makes it feel elegant and very rich mom. Plus, it works as a tank with jeans when you’re not in the water.

18. Water Park Pick: This is another dress that’s secretly a one-piece! If you don’t feel comfy rocking an actual swimsuit all day, this cap-sleeved, high-neck mini is the perfect modest, water-ready alternative. It looks like an everyday outfit, but is ready for all that splash pad action.

Related: 17 Slimming One-Piece Swimsuits to Look Instantly More Snatched — Under $25

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Swimsuit shopping can feel like a lot — especially when you want something that smooths, supports and actually makes you feel confident the second you put it on. The good news? You don’t need shapewear or a $150 designer suit to get that sculpted, snatched look. Smart design details, like ruching, wrap fronts and strategic paneling, can […]

Taylor Frankie Paul is trying to get back to neutral after ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen called 911 alleging she violated their protection order amid their contentious custody battle.

A source close to Taylor, 32, exclusively tells Us Weekly that they believe Dakota, 33, is allegedly “ using and abusing the system to inflict the most pain and create inaccurate harmful narratives.”

The insider claims that they think Dakota’s recent actions are “seemingly to prevent a show from going on the air — which is in direct contrast to Taylor — whose priority is her family and her own well-being,” referring to Taylor’s unaired season of The Bachelorette.

“One side is trying to inflict pain, the other side is trying to manage and avoid pain,” the source further claims.

When it comes to the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star’s well-being, the insider tells Us, it’s been “incredibly painful” for her to “watch someone deliberately create sideshows without any regard for the human consequences simply because they don’t want a show to be on the air.”

The source also alleges that since Taylor’s domestic violence incident involving Dakota made headlines in March, they think there’s been “a never-ending campaign of intimidation and misrepresentation with the only purpose to inflict as much pain as possible on Taylor.

Us Weekly reached out to Mortensen’s attorney, who declined to comment.

Taylor and Dakota, who share 2-year-old son Ever, raised eyebrows in March when reports surfaced that there had been an alleged domestic violence altercation between the pair one month prior.

Related: Dakota Claims He Tried to ‘Protect’ Taylor Paul’s Daughter During Dispute

Dakota Mortensen shared his side of the story with officers via a phone call after his 2023 domestic dispute with Taylor Frankie Paul. In a video obtained by Us Weekly, an officer asked whether he was trying to “protect” Taylor’s daughter, to which Dakota replied, “Yeah, she’s on the couch right there.” Dakota went on […]

According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Dakota alleged that Taylor choked him and shoved him into a window. He also claimed that he feared for their child’s safety.

Taylor has vehemently denied the allegations of child abuse. Dakota was granted a temporary restraining order against Taylor and temporary custody of their son in March.

Amid her personal drama, ABC chose to cancel her season of The Bachelorette, which was set to premiere in late March.

“In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of The Bachelorette at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family,” a Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson told Us in a statement at the time, referring to a video from a separate 2023 domestic violence incident that resurfaced online. (Taylor pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in 2023 and the other counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse with injury and criminal mischief were dropped.)

Taylor’s issues with Dakota, however, didn’t end with the TV show being pulled from the airwaves.

After an April hearing, Taylor was granted her own protection order against Dakota after claiming he assaulted her in his truck during their February altercation. Dakota has denied the allegation.

The judge ruled that both Taylor and Dakota have to stay at least 100 feet away from each other and allowed Taylor to have supervised visitation with Ever. Taylor was granted unsupervised visitation rights with her son in early June.

Related: Taylor Frankie Paul’s 2023 911 Call, Arrest Revisited Amid Investigation

The 911 call for Taylor Frankie Paul and ex Dakota Mortensen’s 2023 incident has resurfaced amid the pair’s ongoing domestic violence investigation. An unidentified person called the emergency services over an alleged “domestic violence” dispute at Taylor, now 31, and Dakota’s home in Utah. “Somebody is screaming like ‘Get off me.’ There is a woman […]

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Later that month, however, Dakota called the cops inquiring about his and Taylor’s protection orders as they relate to Ever.

The Bluffdale Police Department confirmed to Us on Monday, June 29, that Dakota called the authorities at around 10 p.m. on Friday, June 26.

The police told Us that Dakota called with questions about the protective order, specifically asking about who can help with the drop-off and pick-up exchange for Ever. He wanted to know if the protective order had been violated.

The officers then made contact with Taylor via a phone call and gathered statements from all involved before sending the case to the District Attorney’s office, who will decide if a violation occurred.

“Cops called on me again THIS WEEK … What are the odds?” Taylor wrote in a since-deleted Instagram Story after the incident, according to a screenshot shared via TMZ. “And it’s not people … it’s ONE person, the same person. It’s obsessive.”

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Amid her back-and-forth with Dakota, Taylor’s ex-husband, Tate Paul, with whom she shares daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 6, filed for a temporary restraining order against her.

Us confirmed on Wednesday, July 1, that a judge denied Tate’s request. His request for sole custody of their two kids by filing a petition to change their custody agreement has not been addressed.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.

Fans are ready for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce to take the next level in their love story: marriage. Many have been keeping their eyes on the trucks pulling in and out of Madison Square Garden, which is reportedly where the wedding will be held. Even though it’s been rumored that they have already tied the knot in secret, one thing is for sure: Kelce has had a lot of great things to say about his relationship with the “Gorgeous” singer throughout the years!

Kelce is known for giving it all on the football field, and Swift doesn’t hold back when she’s on the stage. Kelce got an inside look at how hard she worked to pull off her record-breaking Eras Tour, which included performances on several continents.

In February 2025, Kelce revealed that he took notes from watching how it all came together. “Her work ethic, what I saw on that tour last year, was pretty remarkable,” he told reporters at the time, as reported by PEOPLE magazine.  “I mean, to see the week in, week out traveling from one country to the next.”

“The band, the singers, it was everybody involved, and it was an absolute machine, and it was something I could admire watching and take a lot of notes from,” he added.

Kelce Addresses The ‘Mind-Blowing’ Work She Put Into The Eras Tour

That isn’t the only time that he spoke openly about her work ethic. Later that year, in an interview with GQ, he talked about how athletic she had to be while performing on stage for hours each night during her Eras Tour run.

 “I hadn’t experienced somebody in the same shoes as me, having a partner who understands the scrutiny, understands the ups and downs of being in front of millions,” he said. “That was very relatable, seeing how exhausted she would get after shows.”

“She may not think of herself as an athlete,” he continued. “She will never tell anyone that she is an athlete. But I’ve seen what she goes through. I’ve seen the amount of work that she puts on her body, and it’s mind-blowing.”

Travis Kelce Appreciates Taylor Swift’s ‘Support’ On The Field

While he has shown up to numerous concerts to support her, Swift has also been seen at many Kansas City Chiefs games to support him. During a January 2025 episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, Kelce revealed that not only are they both “happy” in the relationship, but they’re also big supporters of each other’s careers.  

“I’m enjoying all aspects of life. Me and Taylor are happy,” Kelce said at the time. “I couldn’t be happier to have that confidence and that comfort off the field and all the support I could ever ask for in the stadium.”

“I think personally, that’s the beauty of being in a very strong relationship is that you get that support to be able to come in and focus on your craft, focus on being the best version of you,” he continued. “That’s why I wanted to be at the concert, supporting her and being there for her, making sure she feels comfortable and supported in everything she’s doing in life.”

How Travis Kelce Fell For Taylor Swift

Kelce also revealed exactly why he fell head over heels for Swift in a June 2024 episode of Barstool Sports’ Bussin’ with the Boys podcast.

“She’s very self-aware. And I think that’s why I really started to really fall for her, was how genuine she is around friends [and] family,” he said at the time. “It can get crazy for somebody with that much attention … and she just keeps it so chill and so cool.”

Kelce Appreciates How Smart Swift Is

The NFL star also sat down with Wall Street Journal for their December 2023/January 2024 issue to shed some more light on his relationship with the “So High School” singer. He talked openly about the complexities of dating someone “with that kind of aura about them.”

“I’ve never dealt with it,” he shared. “But at the same time, I’m not running away from any of it … The scrutiny she gets, how much she has a magnifying glass on her, every single day, paparazzi outside her house, outside every restaurant she goes to, after every flight she gets off, and she’s just living, enjoying life. When she acts like that, I better not be the one acting all strange.”

“I’ve never been a man of words,” he confessed. “Being around her, seeing how smart Taylor is, has been f-cking mind-blowing. I’m learning every day.”

By Jonathan Klotz
| Updated 2 minutes ago

For years, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was the top-grossing star in Hollywood. Between his outings as Hobbs in the Fast and Furious franchise, multiple Jumanji films, and resetting the hierarchy of power in the DC Universe as Black Adam, it’s easy to forget that he’s turned even forgotten IPs into hits. 2018’s Rampage brought to life the classic 1986 Midway arcade game where you control a rampaging giant monster tearing down buildings, fighting the military, and the other monsters. Every knew what to except when the movie was announced, and it’s been a consistent streaming success for HBO Max ever since. 

Everyone Loves Giant Monsters

Rampage stars Dwayne Johnson as Davis, a primatologist and former U.S. special forces soldier, working with George, a rescued ape when the release of canisters of an experimental pathogen turns him into a giant ape. Two more canisters happen to land in the Everglades and Wyoming, transforming a crocodile and a wolf into giant monsters as well. It’s a twist on the video game which turned normal humans into the gigantic monsters, though the names they’re given, Lizzie and Ralph, remain the same. Also Ralph, the wolf, is able to shoot quills from his back and tail, which is very un-wolflike. 

Distracting from the whole reason you’re watching Rampage in the first place is the remaining human characters, including Naomie Harris as a geneticist, the underrated Malin Akerman as an evil CEO, while Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Joe Manganiello, and Jack Quaid all show up. Godzilla Minus One is the only kaiju film to do the human side of the story justice, and Rampage is no exception. It’s worth it for the giant monster slugfest and George’s problem-solving; it may not be elegant but he gets the job done. 

The Rise Of Video Game Movies

When Rampage hit theaters it earned over $420 million worldwide, making it comparable to Johnson’s other hits of the time, including Black Adam. The adaptation of a 30-year-old game that had fallen out of the public consciousness didn’t matter. Johnson was his usual charming self and the focus on the three monsters turned it into a crowd pleasing hit. 

Ironically, Warner Bros. never set out to purposely make a Rampage movie. The rights to one came over when they bought Midway in 2009, and well, they already had the rights, at that point why not look into taking advantage of an IP that likely wouldn’t sell too many video games? Rampage Puzzle Attack for the Gameboy Advance was the latest release at the time of the movie, and it came out in 2001. Rampage is a staple of classic arcade compilations, but as with most of Midway’s 80s hits, it’s a relic of a bygone era.

Today video game adaptations are taking over Hollywood. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie was a disappointment, but even then it pulled in over a billion at the box office and Nintendo is going full steam ahead with a Legend of Zelda film. Even Sonic the Hedgehog has a trilogy to his name, showing how the world’s changed since Rampage’s 2018 debut. With video games hotter than superheroes, and the film’s continued streaming success, could Rampage: World Tour happen someday?

Rampage is streaming on HBO Max.

By Chris Snellgrove
| Updated 1 second ago

To me, my X-Fans! After a painful wait of nearly two years, X-Men ‘97 Season 2 is finally here. The first three episodes dropped on Disney+, and they are filled with more of the excellent writing, killer voice acting, and breathtaking animation that you’ve come to expect. They’re also filled with something else: more Easter eggs than you can shake a ruby quartz visor at! Unfortunately, it can be tough for even the biggest X-Men fans to clock because these episodes are so chock-full of action and intrigue.

That’s where I come in! I’ve compiled a list of my favorite Easter eggs throughout these first three episodes. This isn’t everything, of course, Honestly, I’d probably need Cerebro and your own stable of powerful telepaths (now paging the Cuckcoo sisters!) in order to track every homage and reference. What were the best ones, though, and what makes them so cool? Put down those Fleer Ultra cards and grab your glasses so you can scope out the best Easter eggs from X-Men ‘97 Season 2!

X-Men ’01

The name of the show is X-Men ‘97. Predictably, many of the comic book storylines the show has adapted have come out of the ‘90s (including Wolverine getting his adamantium stripped from his bones) or the preceding decade (like the trial of Magneto). For the most part, Season 2 keeps this trend going, with the first three episodes borrowing extensively from ‘90s miniseries like The Adventures of Cyclops and Phoenix and The Rise of Apocalypse. However, these early episodes feature several characters from Grant Morrison’s New X-Men, a comic that didn’t begin until 2001. 

That was a comic where Professor Xavier had recommitted to teaching young mutants and, as such, his School for Gifted Youngsters was filled with new students. We see several in X-Men ‘97 who are captured by X-Factor and subsequently liberated by X-Force. Arguably, the most important mutants onscreen are the Stepford Cuckoos (powerful telepaths who are mentored in the comics by Emma Frost) and Quentin Quire (an Omega-level mutant who was a Magneto fanboy in the comics, going so far as to wear a “Magneto was right” shirt to class).

Secret Cameo From The MCU’s Most Notorious Villain

In X-Men ‘97 Season 2, half of the team is flung into the far future, a techno-fascist dystopia ruled over by Apocalypse. The other half is sent to Ancient Egypt, where Apocalypse hasn’t risen to power and goes by En Sabah Nur. In a fun bit of parallelism, Nur must find a way to defeat a technologically advanced foe in the same way that the Askani clan of the future must find a way to defeat him. In Egypt, En Sabah Nur’s foe is Rama-Tut, a relatively minor bad guy who looks more like a Scooby-Doo villain than a legitimate threat.

He is a threat, though, and a bigger one than either the X-Men or En Sabah Nur realizes. You see, “Rama-Tut” is actually Kang the Conqueror in disguise. We don’t yet know if X-Men ‘97 will reveal this, especially after Jonathan Majors’ Kang was yoinked out of the MCU following the actor’s legal woes. Even if the show never makes the reveal, though, it’s fun to know that Apocalypse is secretly fighting Kang, someone that Marvel Studios execs like Kevin Feige are desperately hoping we’ve all forgotten!

X-Force Opening

Okay, so this next X-Men ‘97 Easter egg is admittedly hard to miss. Then again, I know a bunch of you either play on your phones during the intro or skip it altogether, so quite a few fans did miss it. Basically, the familiar intro sequence for the show has been replaced with an intro sequence for X-Force. The new intro celebrates Cable’s ragtag team, which consists of himself, Psylocke, Archangel, Jubilee, and Sunspot. 

The new intro is very slickly edited, and it’s one that all X-Men ‘97 fans can appreciate. You’ll probably dig it even more, though, if you read X-Force back in the day. The premise of the comics was that the time-traveling Cable transformed some of Professor Xavier’s New Mutants into a lethal, militarized strike force. In the show, Cable is simply making use of the resources he has. With most of the X-Men in the past or the future, he simply adds Jubilee and Sunspot to his existing roster of allies so they can collectively investigate Apocalypse in the present day. 

Storm Goes Cosmic

Storm has always been one of the most powerful X-Men. After all, she controls the weather, meaning she can zap people with lightning, whip up tornado winds, and otherwise weaponize the elements as she sees fit. In X-Men ‘97, Season 2, she takes these powers to the next level. With the help of a new ally (one revealed to be an older Rachel Summers), she is able to summon a solar flare, giving their vehicle a much-needed jolt of cosmic power. Even Storm is perplexed by her abilities, leaving fans to ask, “When the heck did she learn how to do that?”

The answer, surprisingly enough, is “since 1976.” In Uncanny X-Men #99, she discovers that she has the ability to control cosmic energy and solar winds, helping her survive a fight against Sentinels in the cold vacuum of space. So, her gaining cosmic powers in X-Men ‘97 isn’t a retcon or a Mary Sue moment, but rather an homage to a cool power reveal that happened half a century ago!

Remixing The Age Of Apocalypse

Arguably, the most Marvel crossover story ever made was “The Age of Apocalypse.” It began when Professor X’s demented son, Legion, traveled to the past, intent on killing Magneto so his father’s dream of peaceful mutant/human relations could come true. However, he ends up killing Xavier, which screws the future over: not only does Apocalypse move to take over the world that much earlier, but Xavier isn’t there to stop him. The result is that Apocalypse takes over the entirety of America, but he is eventually stopped by heroes who are, mercifully, able to reset the timeline.

X-Men ‘97 Season 2 hasn’t directly copied the “Age of Apocalypse” story (at least, not yet), but it has remixed it. For example, some of the imagery of the far future in the show (particularly all the corpses outside of Apocalypse’s base of operations) seems inspired by those classic ‘90s comics. Furthermore, Magneto actively tries to change the future by encouraging young Apocalypse to embrace Professor X’s dream. It’s possible he will change the future in the show the way the professor’s kid did in the comics: by encouraging Apocalypse to make his big move before anyone is able to stop him.