After the surprising firing of X-Men ‘97 creator Beau DeMayo, more details have emerged regarding the reasons behind his departure. While Marvel Studios has not clarified the exact reason behind the firing, insiders have reported that DeMayo was a difficult person to work with and that he was running an OnlyFans account, which may have prompted his termination.
The show was said to be a tribute to the classic X-Men: The Animated Series on Fox Kids and a second season was also in development, despite the first season yet to release. Beau DeMayo’s firing just weeks before the premiere of the much-awaited series prompted speculation and reactions from Marvel fans.
Insiders Report Beau DeMayo’s Nightmarish Behaviour As A Reason For His Firing
The revival of the popular 90’s series X-Men: The Animated Series was one of the most anticipated shows from Disney Plus. X-Men ‘97 was set to continue from where the original show ended and also had many of the original cast members reprise their roles. However, days ahead of its premiere, the show seems to be in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
A few days ago, creator Beau DeMayo was let go from the show. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the news that DeMayo was fired was shared with the cast and crew of the show without any reason. DeMayo’s Instagram account, which was a source for many developments regarding the show was also unceremoniously deleted.
While Marvel is yet to give a clear-cut reason as to why the writer, who had also worked on Moonknight and The Witcher was fired, insiders reported that much of DeMayo’s behavior was deemed to be difficult. Industry insider Jeff Sneider revealed part of the reason while on the podcast ‘The Hot Mic’ with John Rocha,
“I think he was probably difficult to work with and getting on everyone’s last nerve. And, I don’t think the OnlyFans stuff helped. That’s where I leave it for now.”
Beau DeMayo reportedly ran a free OnlyFans account where he released non-explicit content (via THR). The creator had also reportedly finished his work on the second season of the show and had ideas for a potential third season.
Marvel Studios’ Head of Animation And Streaming Breaks Silence On Beau DeMayo’s Departure
Industry insider Jeff Sneider in his paid newsletter ‘InSneider’ which usually includes his important scoops and insider information also revealed that X-Men ‘97 creator Beau DeMayo was a “nightmare to deal with on a daily basis” and that many of Disney’s executives found the showrunner to be “creepy”.
Brad Winderbaum, who heads the animation, streaming, and TV division of Marvel Studios mentioned that the departure of Beau DeMayo was not ‘firing’ but just a ‘parting of ways’. He said to EW,
“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.”
Many fans of the series were surprised by the news of his firing and expressed their dissatisfaction with no proper answer being given. Marvel has been under fire ever since the casting of Jonathan Majors went sideways after he was convicted of domestic assault.
Bro where does marvel find these people lmao 💀
— Omari (@OmariTale) March 15, 2024
So it was a toxic work environment and Disney thought his only fans work was weird
— Eddie (@OHMYDIAZ) March 15, 2024
Lol yea sure we all know Disney fired him because he had an Only Fans and are now trying to cla he was a nightmare. I don't trust anything Disney says.
— BoomStick Critique (@stim97891) March 15, 2024
Weren’t people saying he hasn’t used in onlyfans in forever so that couldn’t have been the reason he was fired. But now apparently it is the reason? I’m confused.
— Harley_Dynasty (@HarleyDynasty) March 15, 2024
I don't know the guy, maybe it's justified but I trust those disney execs who categories something as "creepy" very unreliable because they themselves are the worst of creepy there is.
— Mystic🇺🇦 (@vladochka_n) March 15, 2024
This was the most obvious answer, although it is not a nice one, many thought that he was fired because his work was bad(morons that repeat woke all the time), when there are many cases of actors and directors with questionable attitudes but who have great talent.
— Owen H.✨️ (@OH_squire) March 15, 2024
While Marvel would hopefully give more clarity on the writer’s departure from the project, fans have to make do with industry insider scoops and speculation.
