Marvel shockingly FIRES X-Men ’97 creator Beau DeMayo just days before the animated superhero series debuts on Disney Plus

Just over a week before the highly anticipated animated superhero series X-Men ’97 debuts, series creator Beau DeMayo was unceremoniously fired.

The 41-year-old writer had previously written for Netflix’s The Witcher, Marvel’s Moon Knight and Paramount Plus’ Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and also worked on early drafts of Marvel’s new Blade film.

He created the highly anticipated X-Men ’97, which continues the story of the original X-Men: The Animated Series, which ran from 1992 to 1997.

However, Disney Plus had already renewed the series for a second season prior to its debut The Hollywood Reporter reveals that DeMayo was fired early last week.

The firing is said to be quite sudden, as DeMayo had just finished writing season 2 and was preparing to attend the March 13 Hollywood premiere.

He created the highly anticipated X-Men ’97, which continues the story of the original X-Men: The Animated Series, which ran from 1992 to 1997.

It was also said that DeMayo discussed “loose ideas” for a possible third season with members of his team before Marvel suddenly parted ways with him.

The writer/executive producer’s corporate email address was deactivated when cast and crew members were informed by Marvel that he was no longer involved.

The studio did not give the cast and crew a reason for the firing, and DeMayo’s Instagram account – which provided many updates on the show – was deactivated.

Neither Marvel nor DeMayo responded to requests for comment on the firing, which comes just ahead of the show’s March 20 debut on Disney Plus.

While writers parting ways with projects is generally common on any type of TV show, it is quite rare for a show’s creator to be fired and cancel the premiere and other press plans for the show.

Many premieres for Marvel projects involve writers whose work may not even be used in the final product.

DeMayo was announced as executive producer and head writer in November 2021.

He appeared at a San Diego Comic-Con panel for the show in July 2022, where a second season renewal was also announced.

It was also said that DeMayo discussed “loose ideas” for a possible third season with members of his team before Marvel suddenly parted ways with him.

Neither Marvel nor DeMayo responded to requests for comment on the firing, which comes just ahead of the show’s March 20 debut on Disney Plus

He revealed that he came to pitch to Marvel President Kevin Feige and Marvel’s head of streaming, TV and animation Brad Winderbaum, and they were receptive

He appeared at a San Diego Comic-Con panel for the show in July 2022, where a second season renewal was also announced.

DeMayo revealed during Marvel’s X-Men: 60 Uncanny Years Live Virtual Event in March 2023 that the show was a reflection of his experience as a gay black man.

He revealed that he came to pitch to Marvel President Kevin Feige and Marvel’s head of streaming, TV and animation Brad Winderbaum, and they were receptive.

“(Kevin and Brad) couldn’t have been more supportive and just encouraging to make sure we did it right,” he said.

“I think one of my favorite parts was that they were really interested in what my experience as a black gay man was and how it would influence the story we were telling. And that was for them, this is how we’re going to make this authentic,” he said.

DeMayo was also adopted by white parents in the South — with a Korean sister — and he said in interviews how the X-Men’s struggle for acceptance mirrored his own.

The original series is credited with popularizing the X-Men characters just years before the breakout success of the 2000 X-Men film.