X-Men ’97 showrunner Beau DeMayo responds back to Martin Scorsese’s criticism of Marvel and superhero movies by praising Zack Snyder’s DCEU. One of the biggest superhero projects for 2024 was X-Men ’97 season 1, bringing the world of X-Men: The Animated Series back to the small screen. The arrival of X-Men ’97 comes at a time when superhero movies have become a bit more divisive and are no longer the near-guaranteed hit they once were.

As Scorsese’s Marvel comments on the superhero movie genre have caused divided reactions in Hollywood, DeMayo took to X to show some massive love for Snyder’s Man of Steel as a response to how comic book movies are and should be considered cinema. The X-Men ’97 showrunner used the scene of Henry Cavill’s Superman learning to fly for the first time, adding the following:

How Man Of Steel Influenced X-Men ’97 Season 1

DeMayo’s latest post isn’t the first time he has expressed his love for Man of Steel, especially with X-Men ’97 season 1 drawing influence from Snyder’s 2013 movie. One of the pivotal moments in X-Men ’97 season 1 was when Storm got her powers back in episode 6. When Storm’s powers are restored, a major flying scene follows, which is very similar to when Superman learned to fly in Man of Steel, which DeMayo confirmed on X was an homage to the film.

In X-Men ’97 season 1, episode 8, there is another tribute to Snyder’s DCEU debut film during the telling of Bastion’s origin story. As Bastion’s powers began to manifest, it was noticed very quickly by viewers how similar it was to when young Clark Kent’s hearing and x-ray vision began to kick in. It appears in this case that this was indeed DeMayo paying another nod to Man of Steel in X-Men ’97.

Time will tell if there are any additional tributes made to Man of Steel in X-Men ’97 season 2 or any of Snyder’s other DC movies. Even if there isn’t, it is still great to see how other storytellers are showing their passion for Snyder’s massive contribution to the superhero genre. Until news on season 2 arrives, the world can relive every episode of X-Men ’97 season 1, exclusively on Disney+.