The X-Men ’97 creator has unveiled a plan for 5 seasons of the celebrated Marvel Studios animation, and Marvel can’t change course. X-Men ’97 has made a significant impact on Marvel’s recent release slate, earning huge praise across the board as it continues the story of the original animated series of the 1990s. This praise is largely aimed towards the series’ creator and erstwhile head writer, Beau DeMayo, who parted ways with the show after developing the first two seasons. Season 1 will conclude next week with the third of a three-part finale.

Before being dropped, Beau DeMayo revealed via Twitter/X that he had a five-season plan when penning the first two seasons of X-Men ’97, hinting that season 1 would end on a cliffhanger. The comment responded to a fan who asked whether the finale would make viewers “go crazy” waiting for the release of X-Men ’97 season 2, or end with significant closure. DeMayo’s comments highlight the fact that he left the project suddenly and without overseeing his plans to fruition, and begs the question of how Marvel intends to follow on from what will likely be a big cliffhanger.

X-Men ’97’s Success Means Marvel Can’t Back Out Of The Original Plan

Gambit powering up Wolverine's claws in X-Men '97

The sheer amount of praise for X-Men ’97 season 1 is plain to see, with the series currently sitting at 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, with a 94% score from audiences. DeMayo has been on the receiving end of much of this praise via social media, where he interacts regularly with eager fans of the show. Even in the aforementioned Tweet, DeMayo thanks the enquirer for their comments labeling the show “perfection.”

In particular, fans have been flattering towards the nuanced way in which X-Men ’97 tackles mature and pertinent themes as it faithfully continues the story of the original animated series. A modern spin on the classic animation style leans into the nostalgia that fans consider to be particularly well-handled, with many calling X-Men ’97 the best adaptation of the titular team ever created. In the wake of a disappointing start to MCU Phase 5, reactions to the animated show are certainly a welcome reprieve for Marvel, which is now in a slightly awkward position.

Marvel parted ways with the writer before X-Men ’97 landed on Disney Plus. With DeMayo’s vision now a proven success, it is now incumbent on the studio to continue the narrative that DeMayo started with seasons 1 and 2. Whether this success may spur Disney to re-hire the series creator for future seasons or not remains to be seen, but Marvel is now under much pressure to maintain the critical success of the show by carrying out the show’s initial vision as faithfully as possible.