In a shocking twist, X-Men ’97 Head Writer Beau DeMayo was fired by Marvel just eight days before the series’ first episodes aired. However, since Beau DeMayo’s firing, X-Men ’97 achieved massive popularity. Where does that leave the series and its writer? Both Marvel and DeMayo recently issued new statements on the events surrounding DeMayo’s exit from the series.
X-Men ’97 Creator Beau DeMayo Has Been Fired By Marvel
In a shocking turn of events, X-Men ’97‘s creator and head writer Beau DeMayo has been fired by Marvel Studios, reports The Hollywood Reporter. The publication notes that “Marvel and DeMayo suddenly parted ways. His company email was deactivated and cast and crew were informed he was no longer on the project.” DeMayo’s Instagram was deactivated but has since returned. No reason for the firing has been released.
How Will Beau DeMayo Be Involved in X-Men ’97 Season 2?
DeMayo recently took to Twitter to clarify how he would be involved in season two of X-Men ’97 after his initial firing.
DeMayo shares of his work on season two of X-Men ’97 in the past and future, “I did write a lot of season 2. However, unlike Season 1, I will not be heavily involved or leading production, cast records, design, editorial, post, music, etc., nor doing any production rewrites as it relates to the creative vision of the show.” DeMayo adds “This is why I’ve said I can’t really speak to Season 2. But, looking forward to seeing the final product with you all whenever it airs. I have high hopes.”
Marvel Studios Head of Streaming, Television, and Animation Addresses Exit
Marvel Studios’ Brad Winderbaum, head of streaming, television, and animation, discussed Beau DeMayo’s exit from X-Men ’97 and its impact on the future of the series in May of 2024. He revealed that X-Men ’97 “will have a new head writer for season 3.” But Winderbaum additionally shared, “We are honoring Beau DeMayo’s ideas for the second season.”
Winderbaum notes he can’t discuss details but “can say that Beau had real respect and passion for these characters and wrote what I think are excellent scripts that the rest of the team were able to draw inspiration from [to] build this amazing show that’s on screen.”
As to where X-Men ’97 is now, Winderbaum reveals, “I’ve now seen versions of animatics for the entire second season. Obviously, when you’re in that stage, there’s a lot of work to do. It’s editorial, but it’s also still iterative because there’s still story to be worked out when you put it on its feet in that way. We’re going to start development on the third season very soon. And, yeah, we’re trying to figure out who is going to be that voice on the page, but luckily—that’s going to come as a surprise—there’s many talented X-Men fans, excellent writers.”
DeMayo and Marvel Studios Issue New Statements on DeMayo’s Firing and Season 2 Status
Despite the more amicable-sounding comments in May, both DeMayo and Marvel recently released new statements on the matter of Beau DeMayo’s firing from X-Men ’97 and whether he would be credited for future seasons. Seemingly reacting to an update from Marvel that he would not be credited for season two of X-Men ’97, DeMayo shared the following on Twitter.
A Marvel Studios spokesperson responded with an official statement from the company about the firing of DeMayo from X-Men ’97, which notes, “Mr. DeMayo was terminated in March 2024 following an internal investigation. Given the egregious nature of the findings, we severed ties with him immediately, and he has no further affiliation with Marvel.”
In response to this, DeMayo wrote, “The truth will be revealed. After their Disney Plus disaster, Marvel wants to mislead with alleged contract breaches over tweets. It’s tragic it’s come to this but unsurprising. Stay tuned.”
Who Will Write X-Men ’97 Season 3?
Reportedly, replacing Beau DeMayo on X-Men ’97 season three will be Matthew Chauncey. There is no word yet on what the season will look like or what will feature in its plot.
Originally published on May 17, 2024.