Former ‘X-Men ’97’ Writer Beau DeMayo Blasts MCU’s ‘What If…?’ Season 3

As a former Marvel Studios showrunner who was unceremoniously dismissed ahead of my debut, I can’t help but feel a tinge of vindication seeing the mixed reviews for Season 3 of ‘What If…?’. It seems I wasn’t too far off base with my initial assessment of “yikes just yikes.” The dialogue is flat, the premises are weird, and it lacks substance – all elements that were crucial to me in storytelling.

I must admit, I find it ironic that the very man who was set to replace me on ‘X-Men ’97’, Matthew Chauncey, is now at the helm of this latest season. It’s like they say: “Be careful who you step on the way up, because you might end up tripping over them on the way down.”

In all seriousness though, it’s disheartening to see a franchise I once loved and poured my heart into, stumble in this manner. But hey, at least I have some water to watch boil now! Maybe one day, they’ll realize that a little bit of Beau DeMayo can go a long way. After all, who needs Avengers when you’ve got plot twists and character development?

Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe have been enjoying the holiday season with the release of Season 3, which concludes the animated series on Disney+ starting December 22. The new season has received mixed reviews from critics and viewers alike, but perhaps its harshest criticism comes from former Marvel Studios showrunner Beau DeMayo.

In an earlier phase, DeMayo played a pivotal role in shaping Season 1 of “X-Men ’97” before he was abruptly let go by Marvel Studios prior to its premiere. Recently, he has openly criticized the latest season of “What If…?” on social media, voicing his displeasure through a series of frank posts.

Initially, DeMayo expressed a brief, straightforward critique about the new episodes on Twitter using the hashtag “#whatif season 3 yikes just yikes.” This statement was made before the entire series had concluded, but it was evident that he didn’t plan to continue following the show thereafter. His subsequent post read: “No more for me.

As a seasoned critic with years of experience under my belt, I’d love to offer constructive feedback on that show. However, my current preoccupation is watching water boil – a task that has taught me patience and perseverance in my life. The art of waiting for the water to reach its boiling point mirrors the process of honing one’s skills as a critic: both require time, focus, and an unwavering eye for detail. So, while I can’t provide my insights on the show just yet, know that it’s not out of apathy or disinterest, but rather a testament to my commitment to excellence in all aspects of life.

Even though it appeared that DeMayo wanted to invest less time in the series, he still had quite a ways to go.

Beau DeMayo Has Not Held Back in his Review of ‘What If…?’

DeMayo, who’s often expressed dissatisfaction with Marvel Studios following his dismissal, has taken his criticism a step further this time, particularly towards the newest series streaming on Disney+. After initially voicing his general displeasure, he delved deeper into specific criticisms in two separate posts.

“It lacks depth and seems more like a work of imagination than reality. The conversation is uninspired and predictable, with some plot points that are downright peculiar. During this season, A.C. Bradley appears to have taken a back seat, allowing Chauncey to take the reins.

In essence, it’s being implied that AC Bradley is handing over the responsibilities for Season 3 of “What If…?” to Matthew Chauncey, who was also chosen to replace DeMayo in “X-Men ’97.” The implication is intriguing, and we eagerly anticipate seeing any insights or directions DeMayo might provide when “X-Men ’97” comes back for its second season.

It’s been said that DeMayo left Marvel Studios in March 2024 following accusations of sexual misconduct. Since then, he has been quite open about Marvel’s ventures and decisions. Previously, he disclosed details about scrapped storylines and plans for different projects he was part of prior to his sudden departure. He also commented that Marvel’s choice to scrap his idea for Onslaught to be the antagonist in the second season of X-Men ’97, which he deemed as Marvel enjoying “self-inflicted wounds.

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I must admit that DeMayo’s vocal critique against the franchise he was ousted from doesn’t exactly shock me. The initial reactions to the latest season of “What If…?” are varied, and that’s not a battle Marvel Studios likely want to engage in right now. In the grand scheme of things, though, they might have to learn to embrace such criticisms, especially when Season 2 of “X-Men ’97” premieres.

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2024-12-29 19:33