Caution: Spoilers ahead for X-Men '97 episode 5X-Men '97 episode 5 spurred former showrunner Beau DeMayo to finally share his thoughts on the Marvel Animation series after his departure. However, those seeking clarity on his firing will be left wanting.
Just a week before the debut of X-Men 97 on Disney Plus, fans were taken aback by DeMayo's removal from the show. While rumors circulated about DeMayo's challenging demeanor, neither Marvel nor DeMayo has publicly addressed the cause behind his termination. Nonetheless, the conclusion of X-Men '97 episode 5, titled "Remember It," featured Sentinels attacking Genosha, a fictional mutant haven visited by Magneto, Rogue, and Gambit. Despite the Sentinels' defeat, the assault left Genosha in ruins and claimed the lives of numerous mutants, including Magneto and Gambit.
The distressing events in X-Men '97 episode 5 left fans reeling and pondering various questions. Responding to these concerns, DeMayo took to Twitter with a detailed post explaining how personal encounters and real-life calamities influenced his choice to steer X-Men '97 toward a darker path. According to DeMayo, he aimed to reflect the audience's journey from childhood viewers of the original series to present-day adults. In a tweet, DeMayo elaborated, "My concept was to start the season reminiscent of the original show's pre-9/11 era, filled with nostalgia and comfort. Then, akin to 9/11 and other significant tragedies like Tulsa, the narrative would shift dramatically, underscoring the global uncertainty." DeMayo's complete statement can be found below.
While DeMayo sidestepped the topic of his dismissal, he did engage with a fan's plea for Marvel to rehire him. Ace Cruzat tweeted, "Bring @BeauDemayo back. If episode 5 is any indication, his creativity is vital for the series' progression. His adaptation of the comics and original content was heartbreakingly magical. 'Remember It' indeed." Although DeMayo refrained from commenting on reinstatement, he expressed gratitude to the fan and highlighted his four-year dedication to crafting X-Men '97 episode 5.
In the absence of an official explanation from DeMayo or Marvel regarding his exit, certain fans are optimistic about the possibility of his return to the show. "Your work has been exceptional, Mr. Demayo. Eagerly anticipating your upcoming scripts and hopefully more in the future. In just a month, you've become a favorite X-Men writer among fans," complimented Gap Toothed Wonder. On Twitter, John Jonas Jameson urged Marvel Studios to reconsider their decision, drawing parallels to James Gunn's temporary removal from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 before being reinstated months later.
While DeMayo's contributions have garnered favor from viewers, Marvel Studios and Disney have not hinted at a reversal of their choice to let him go. Fans must now place their trust in the new team to sustain the remarkable storytelling of X-Men '97 established during DeMayo's tenure for future installments.
New episodes of X-Men '97 stream on Disney Plus every Wednesday.
Source: Beau DeMayo/Twitter