Marvel Studios addresses the departure of ‘X-Men ’97’ creator
A sudden exit and its aftermath
Marvel Studios recently broke its silence regarding the abrupt departure of Beau DeMayo, the creator and head writer of the highly anticipated series X-Men ’97. DeMayo was terminated in March 2024, and the studio has now provided some clarity on the reasons behind this decision.
The official statement
In a statement, Marvel Studios revealed, “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.” This statement hints at serious allegations but stops short of detailing the specific nature of the misconduct.
Allegations and consequences
A source familiar with the investigation disclosed that the termination was due to sexual misconduct. Furthermore, DeMayo allegedly violated his termination agreement multiple times, which led to the removal of his writing credits for the second season of X-Men ’97.
DeMayo’s response
On Thursday night, DeMayo took to social media to share his side of the story. He posted an image of himself styled like Cyclops, accompanied by a heartfelt message. “Firstly, I’m so grateful to have worked on #XMen97, collaborating with some amazingly talented folks,” he wrote. “Creating this revival was a dream come true, and the support fans have shown is so touching. However, I felt it pressing for me to speak up in the wake of leaving the show.”
The pride post controversy
DeMayo continued, “Above is #XMen fan-art I posted on Instagram for Gay Pride in June. On June 13, #Marvel sent a letter notifying me that they’d stripped my Season 2 credits due to the post. Sadly, this is the latest in a troubling pattern I suffered through while working on #XMen97 and #Blade.”
A step back from social media
In his concluding remarks, DeMayo stated, “I’ll have more to say soon but must take a step back from social media to find a safer space for me to be out, proud, and nerdy. Stay tuned.”
The impact on the series
Despite the controversy, X-Men ’97 has been well-received, garnering some of the best reviews for Marvel’s programming on Disney+. The animated series has been praised for its bold storytelling and complex characterizations. It even received an Emmy nomination for best animated program. However, DeMayo noted that the studio had not reached out to arrange his attendance at the Emmy’s for the show he created.
A broader context
DeMayo’s departure comes at a time when Marvel Studios is under intense scrutiny for its handling of various projects and personnel. The studio has been navigating a complex landscape of fan expectations, creative challenges, and internal dynamics. DeMayo’s work on other Marvel projects, such as Moon Knight and the long-awaited Blade film starring Mahershala Ali, adds another layer of complexity to his sudden exit.
Personal reflections
As a long-time fan of both cinema and TV series, the unfolding drama around X-Men ’97 is both intriguing and disheartening. The series promised a nostalgic yet fresh take on beloved characters, and DeMayo’s creative vision was a significant part of that promise. The allegations and subsequent fallout serve as a stark reminder of the challenges and responsibilities that come with creating content in today’s highly scrutinized environment.
Looking ahead
While the future of X-Men ’97 remains bright, thanks to its strong debut and critical acclaim, the shadow of this controversy will likely linger. Fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely to see how Marvel Studios navigates this turbulent period and what steps they take to ensure a safe and inclusive working environment for all their creative talents.
For those interested in exploring more about the series, you can watch the trailer for X-Men ’97 here.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story continues to develop.