Following a string of underwhelming additions to Marvel’s superhero franchise, MCU fans were treated to the joy of X-Men ’97. Crafted by Beau DeMayo, the animated series serves as a revival of the beloved superhero TV show X-Men: The Animated Series.
Released in 1992, the animated series follows Charles Xavier and his mutant team as they combat government bigotry and mutant extremists like Magneto, running for five seasons. And DeMayo recently took to Twitter to honor the series and its creators, stating that the success of the recently released MCU series owes much to its predecessor.
X-Men ’97 Creator Beau DeMayo Pays Tribute to Original Series
Beau DeMayo recently took to X (Twitter) to acknowledge the foundational work done by the creators of X-Men: The Animated Series. The creative forces behind the 1992 animated series included luminaries like Larry Houston, Eric Lewald, Sidney Iwanter, and Mark Edens.
DeMayo specifically mentioned director Larry Houston, Lewald, and animation storyboard artists Dan Veesenmeyer in his tweet, stating, “Please remember, #XMen97 wouldn’t exist, nor be what it is, without [Eric Lewald, Larry Houston, Dan Veesenmeyer].”
He further addressed how the original animated series helped to cultivate the “mutant zeitgeist” and played a significant role in shaping the X-Men into the cultural phenomenon it is today. DeMayo’s tweet further stated,
“They had to chart uncharted waters before X-Men was what it was today. There was no mutant zeitgeist. They had to create it. This show is a love letter and a debt paid to them.”
DeMayo also shared how the original series and its creators have influenced his approach to crafting X-Men ’97, adding that he “learned how to write” the 2024 animated series by watching the original show. “[They’re] also just really cool people,” he said, expressing his deep admiration for the creators of The Animated Series.
Marvel Studios Addressed Beau DeMayo’s Unexpected Exit
Beau DeMayo has been a longstanding figure within Marvel Studios, contributing to notable projects such as Moon Knight and early drafts of the highly anticipated Blade movie. In addition to his involvement with the acclaimed X-Men ’97, reports stated that he completed writing duties for season two of the series before his departure just weeks prior to its premiere.
While the specific reasons for his exit remain undisclosed, Brad Winderbaum, Marvel Studios’ head of streaming, television, and animation, addressed the situation in a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly.
“I can’t talk about the details — but I can say that Beau had real respect and passion for these characters and wrote what I think are excellent scripts that really the rest of the team were able to draw inspiration from [to] build this amazing show that’s on screen.”
Winderbaum also clarified that DeMayo’s departure shouldn’t be characterized as a firing, stating, “We parted ways’ is the best way I could say.” Despite the lack of official details regarding the exit, insiders have suggested that the show creator being “difficult to work with” could be one of the potential reasons behind his exit.
X-Men: The Animated Series and X-Men ’97 are available on Disney+.
