The controversy over Marvel’s treatment of comic book creators just took another turn, with X-Men ‘97 showrunner Beau DeMayo revealing that Marvel actively prevented him from involving Deadpool and Cable creator Rob Liefeld in the hit animated series.
Liefeld, who recently cut ties with Marvel after a series of perceived snubs, took to X to share an article about his departure from The Hollywood Reporter. Frustrated by Marvel’s cold shoulder at the Deadpool & Wolverine premiere, he wrote:
“Not so much as a single handshake. Classless.”
I’m sorry man. You deserve better. And I’m sorry my efforts to involve you in #xmen97 fell on deaf ears. But everyone on our crew knew we were standing on the shoulders of giants like you
— Beau DeMayo (@BeauDemayo) February 6, 2025
DeMayo, who was unceremoniously fired from X-Men ‘97 just before its premiere, replied with an eye-opening revelation.
“I’m sorry man,” he wrote. “You deserve better. And I’m sorry my efforts to involve you in #xmen97 fell on deaf ears. But everyone on our crew knew we were standing on the shoulders of giants like you.”
DeMayo’s comment suggests that Marvel’s dismissive treatment of Liefeld wasn’t just limited to Deadpool & Wolverine, but was part of a broader pattern—one that extended even to a project that prominently featured one of his most famous characters.
Marvel’s Silent Treatment of Liefeld
Liefeld’s frustrations with Marvel came to a head at the Deadpool & Wolverine premiere, where he says he was completely ignored by executives, including Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige. Despite having created the character that made the franchise possible, he was not invited to the afterparty—a sharp contrast to how he was treated when 20th Century Fox was in charge of Deadpool films.
Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool in Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), Marvel Studios
“It was meant to embarrass, diminish, defeat me,” Liefeld said on his Robservations podcast, making it clear he felt Marvel was deliberately pushing him out.
Liefeld’s frustration has been brewing for some time. Before the premiere, he had sent Marvel an email requesting a more significant credit in Deadpool & Wolverine, arguing that comic creators deserved better recognition. He received no response, and later learned his request had been poorly received within the company.
His decision to officially sever ties with Marvel came soon after.
Beau DeMayo’s Own Clash with Marvel
DeMayo’s statement carries extra weight given his own rocky history with Marvel. He was abruptly fired from X-Men ‘97 in March—just weeks before the highly anticipated show was set to premiere. His dismissal, which was reportedly handled in a way that even shocked some inside Marvel, left fans wondering what had happened behind the scenes.
While Marvel never officially explained why DeMayo was fired, reports surfaced online alleging that he was involved in sending inappropriate photos of himself to male staff members. DeMayo has denied the allegations, calling them part of a “smear campaign” orchestrated by Marvel and Disney. He has since accused the companies of fostering a toxic work environment and engaging in discriminatory practices against him as a gay Black man.
Beau DeMayo via Cool YouTube Guy YouTube
DeMayo is now suing Marvel, attempting to overturn his non-disclosure agreement (NDA), arguing that it violates California’s civil rights protections. His lawsuit, if successful, could expose more details about Marvel’s internal culture and decision-making processes.
Despite his firing, X-Men ‘97 debuted to widespread acclaim, and many fans still credit DeMayo for making it a success. His removal remains one of the more mysterious and controversial shake-ups at Marvel in recent years.
Marvel’s Troubled Relationship With Creators
Liefeld’s experience is just the latest in a string of controversies involving Marvel’s treatment of creators behind its most famous characters. While Kevin Feige occasionally name-checks comic legends at events like San Diego Comic-Con, the company has been repeatedly criticized for failing to give proper credit and compensation to the writers and artists who built its biggest properties.
Wolverine (voiced by Cal Dodd) in Marvel Animation’s X-MEN ’97. Photo courtesy of Marvel Animation. © 2024 MARVEL.
DeMayo’s revelation only strengthens Liefeld’s argument—Marvel is more than happy to profit from its creators’ work but sees little reason to involve them once their characters hit the big screen.
With both Liefeld and DeMayo speaking out, Marvel’s handling of its talent is once again under the microscope. And from the outside looking in, it’s clear that something isn’t right.
Do you think X-Men 97 would have been better with Liefeld’s involvement? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
