It appears that the ongoing debate about how Marvel handles comic book creators has taken a new twist, as X-Men ’97’s executive producer, Beau DeMayo, disclosed that Marvel intentionally kept Rob Liefeld, the creator of Deadpool and Cable, from being involved in the popular animated series.
Liefeld, who recently ended his association with Marvel following a string of felt slights, used platform X to post an article about his exit from The Hollywood Reporter. Irritated by Marvel’s frosty reception at the Deadpool & Wolverine premiere, he penned:
“Not so much as a single handshake. Classless.”
Apologies, friend. You truly merit more than what you’ve encountered. Regrettably, my attempts to invite you into the world of #xmen97 seemed to go unheard. However, it was clear to all of us on our team that we were merely building upon the remarkable foundations laid by giants like you.
— Beau DeMayo (@BeauDemayo) February 6, 2025
In a surprising disclosure, DeMayo, who had been abruptly let go from the production of X-Men ’97 on the eve of its debut, spoke up.
He expressed regret, saying, “I’m truly sorry, my friend,” and wished for you to find something better. Regrettably, your interest in #xmen97 seemed unnoticed by me. However, it was widely known among our team that we were building on the great work of giants like you.
DeMayo’s remark hints at the possibility that Marvel’s disregard for Liefeld wasn’t confined solely to Deadpool & Wolverine, but rather, it was an ongoing trend that encompassed a broader scope – one that reached as far as a project centered around one of his iconic characters.
Marvel’s Silent Treatment of Liefeld
At the unveiling of Deadpool & Wolverine, Liefeld’s discontent with Marvel culminated. He expressed that he was overlooked by executives, including Kevin Feige, the head of Marvel Studios. Interestingly, despite being the creator of the character who launched the franchise, he wasn’t included in the post-premiere celebration – a stark difference from how he was treated during the Fox era of Deadpool productions.
According to Liefeld, during his Robservations podcast, it appeared that Marvel intended to humiliate, undermine, and ultimately triumph over him. His words suggest that he believed Marvel was deliberately attempting to force him out.
For a while now, Liefeld’s dissatisfaction has been simmering. Prior to the debut, he emailed Marvel asking for a larger credit in Deadpool & Wolverine, contending that comic creators should receive more appreciation. However, he didn’t get a reply, and later discovered his proposal was met with unfavorable reactions within the company.
His decision to officially sever ties with Marvel came soon after.
Beau DeMayo’s Own Clash with Marvel
DeMayo’s words hold significant impact due to his past turbulent relationship with Marvel. He unexpectedly parted ways with X-Men ’97 in March, mere weeks before its much-anticipated debut. His termination, which allegedly occurred under unconventional circumstances that left some at Marvel taken aback, has sparked speculation among fans about the events transpiring behind the scenes.
It’s worth noting that although Marvel didn’t publicly give reasons for DeMayo’s termination, rumors emerged online suggesting he had sent inappropriate self-photos to fellow male employees. DeMayo has refuted these claims, labeling them a calculated smear tactic orchestrated by Marvel and Disney. Since then, he’s accused the companies of nurturing a hostile work environment and practicing discrimination against him, specifically due to his identity as a gay Black man.
DeMayo is currently taking legal action against Marvel, aiming to annul his confidentiality agreement (NDA), asserting that it infringes upon California’s civil rights regulations. If his case wins, it might disclose additional information about Marvel’s internal environment and decision-making mechanisms.
In spite of being dismissed from his position, the animated series X-Men ’97 was met with widespread praise upon its release, and many fans continue to attribute its success to DeMayo’s involvement. His departure from Marvel remains one of the more enigmatic and contentious changes in recent years within the company.
Marvel’s Troubled Relationship With Creators
Liefeld’s issues are simply the latest example in a series of debates about how Marvel handles creators who develop their most iconic characters. Although Kevin Feige occasionally acknowledges comic greats at events like San Diego Comic-Con, the company has faced continuous criticism for not adequately recognizing and remunerating the writers and artists who laid the foundation for its biggest franchises.
As I sat down to pen my thoughts on the latest Marvel blockbuster, it struck me anew: Rob Liefeld’s observations hold true – Marvel gleefully cashes in on its creators’ genius but seems less inclined to acknowledge or engage with them when their characters storm the silver screen. Jim DeMayo’s recent revelations serve only to reinforce this notion, making it clear that the creators behind these iconic figures often find themselves on the sidelines of their own success story.
Following statements from Liefeld and DeMayo, it’s evident that the way Marvel manages its creators is being scrutinized yet again. From an external perspective, it seems there are underlying issues that need to be addressed.
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2025-02-07 19:55