Key Takeaways:
– Beau DeMayo, former showrunner of X-Men ‘97, left the project shortly before Season 1 aired on Disney+.
– Brad Winderbaum, Marvel’s head of streaming television and animation, praised DeMayo’s work and contribution to the show, stating DeMayo exhibited genuine love for the characters.
– X-Men ‘97, created by DeMayo, is a revival of the original 1992’s X-Men: The Animated Series.
Beau DeMayo Exits the Scene
In a surprising turn of events, showrunner Beau DeMayo departed from the animated television show X-Men ‘97. The news came shortly prior to the premiere of Season 1 on Disney+. However, Marvel’s head of streaming television and animation, Brad Winderbaum, lauded DeMayo’s work and dedication to the series in an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly (EW).
“Beau had real respect and passion for these characters and wrote what I think are excellent scripts. The rest of the team drew inspiration from these to build this amazing show,” stated Winderbaum. Despite DeMayo’s unexpected exit, he had already set the groundwork for the second season of the phenomenal series.
Paying Tribute to X-Men’s Legacy
DeMayo’s X-Men ’97 is a revived rendition of the iconic 1992’s X-Men: The Animated Series, picking up where the original series left off to continue the captivating saga of the superhero team. The series debut on March 20, 2024, was met with widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences alike.
In a conversation with Variety, Winderbaum underscored DeMayo’s stellar contributions to Seasons 1 and 2. He expressed anticipation for fans’ reactions to the series and lauded the team’s effort in creating a revival that does justice to X-Men’s legacy spanning 60 years.
Concerns Over Showrunner Shift
Despite the positive reception, DeMayo’s departure did raise some concerns about the show’s future. No longer promoting the show or working on future seasons, the former showrunner also shut down his social media accounts post-departure. Nevertheless, the Marvel Animation chief was quick to assert that DeMayo’s exit was a mutual decision.
Original 1992’s series showrunner, Eric Lewald, praised DeMayo for his immense dedication and in-depth knowledge of the show, indicating confidence in the show’s continuity.
Embracing Fresh Yet Familiar Approach
X-Men ’97’s director Jake Castorena used original storyboards left behind by predecessor Larry Houston in a bid to retain some familiarity. Simultaneously, the team was keen on reinvigorating certain elements to make the experience fresh yet familiar for fans. Winderbaum also teased the same level of character cameos as seen in the original series.
To sum up, while DeMayo’s exit may have triggered some uncertainty surrounding X-Men ’97, the show presents a promising future. With the intent of encapsulating the essence of the original series while sprinkling in new elements, X-Men ’97 looks set to woo audiences on Disney+.
