Just weeks before the show's scheduled premiere, Marvel Studios has recently made the decision to part ways with Beau DeMayo, the writer and creator behind the highly anticipated animated series X-Men '97.
(Photo : Marvel Entertainment)
To me, my X-Men. Marvel Animation’s X-Men '97, an all-new series, arrives March 20 on Disney+.
Terminating X-Men '97 Creator
Marvel Studios has terminated Beau DeMayo, the creator behind the anticipated Disney Plus animated series X-Men '97, just weeks ahead of its scheduled premiere.
Recognized for his contributions to projects like Moon Knight, The Witcher, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, De Mayo had previously served as both creator and executive producer for the entire first season of X-Men '97.
Despite his departure, DeMayo had completed writing duties for an upcoming second season of X-Men '97 and was reportedly engaged in discussions for a potential third season with his team.
The unexpected timing of this development, especially with the series' imminent release on Disney Plus, adds further intrigue to the situation.
Facing Criticisms
In November 2021, the news of DeMayo's hiring by Marvel sparked significant excitement and anticipation within the entertainment industry and among fans.
As a gay Black man, DeMayo brought a unique perspective to the project, emphasizing in interviews how his upbringing as the adopted son of white parents with a Korean sister in the South gave him a personal connection to the struggles for acceptance portrayed in the X-Men characters.
However, DeMayo's social media presence has notably dwindled. As per The Hollywood Reporter, he was previously known for frequent posts sharing X-Men insights and gym selfies.
Additionally, he once operated a non-explicit OnlyFans account, earning him recognition from the LGBTQ publication Out as "the Sexy, Gay Marvel Writer & Showrunner to Know." However, navigating social media presented its own set of challenges during the production of the series.
In May 2023, DeMayo decided to deactivate his Twitter account following a barrage of criticism. Users accused X-Men '97 of whitewashing the character Sunspot due to the casting of Brazilian actor Gui Agustini in the role.
While it's not uncommon for studios like Marvel to part ways with writers as part of their regular business operations, it's highly unusual for a key creative figure on a Marvel project to be absent from the premiere or to cancel press engagements at the last minute, even if they have been reassigned within the project.
Typically, Marvel premieres involve multiple screenwriters attending, including those who may have been involved in rewrites, all walking the red carpet together.
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Continuing the legacy of X-Men: The Animated Series, which aired from 1992 to 1997, X-Men '97 reintroduces beloved characters from the original show.
Notably, several original voice actors reprise their roles, including Lenore Zann as Rogue, George Buza as Beast, Cal Dodd as Wolverine, Adrian Hough as Nightcrawler, Chris Britton as Mr. Sinister, and Chris Potter as Gambit.
