Season 3 of X-Men ’97 Gets New Head Writer After Beau DeMayo Exits

There’s a new face at the helm of X-Men ’97.

Matthew Chauncey, known for his work on the Disney+ series Ms. Marvel and What If…?, has been chosen as the head writer for the developing third season of the animated X-Men show. This information comes from Deadline, with confirmation still awaited from Disney+.

Chauncey takes over from Beau DeMayo, who was the head writer for Seasons 1 and 2 but departed abruptly just before the series premiere in March. During that time, DeMayo was expected to attend the premiere event of X-Men ’97, but his work email was deactivated, and staff were informed he was no longer part of the series. His Instagram account was also deleted.

Marvel Studios executive Brad Winderbaum spoke to Entertainment Weekly about DeMayo’s exit. “I can’t talk about the details, but I can say that Beau had real respect and passion for these characters and wrote what I think are excellent scripts that really the rest of the team were able to draw inspiration from [to] build this amazing show that’s on screen,” Winderbaum said. “I don’t [consider his exit a firing]. ‘We parted ways’ is the best way I could say.”

According to the official logline, X-Men ’97 “revisits the iconic era of the 1990s as The X-Men, a band of mutants who use their uncanny gifts to protect a world that hates and fears them, are challenged like never before, forced to face a dangerous and unexpected new future.”

Season 2 of the animated series is currently in production. Season 3, where Chauncey will collaborate with Season 1 director Jake Castorena, is still in the development stages and has yet to receive an official green light.