Marvel Animation has announced that Matthew Chauncey will be the new head writer for the third season of Disney+’s highly acclaimed X-Men ’97 series. This news comes after the sudden departure of Beau DeMayo, who had penned the first two seasons of the show. DeMayo’s exit, which occurred in March, was unexpected and happened just before the series’ debut on Disney+. Although DeMayo had already laid the groundwork for the first two seasons and had even started brainstorming ideas for a third, the reasons behind his departure remain undisclosed.
Matthew Chauncey, known for his work on Marvel’s animated series What If…?, will now take the reins for X-Men ’97. Chauncey has been a significant contributor to both seasons of What If…?, a show that delves into the multiverse and explores alternate realities of key events in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). He has recently been promoted to head writer for the third season of What If…?, replacing A.C. Bradley. However, the release date for the new season of What If…? has not yet been announced.
Chauncey will collaborate closely with Jake Castorena, who has been the series director since the first season of X-Men ’97. Additionally, Larry Houston and Eric and Julia Lewald, the executive producers of the original X-Men: The Animated Series, will continue to serve as consulting producers for the revival series. This continuity ensures that the essence of the beloved ’90s animated series is preserved while introducing fresh perspectives.
X-Men ’97 has been a critical success for Marvel, earning the studio its first 100 percent “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes since the inception of the MCU. The series has managed to capture the nostalgia of the original while appealing to a new generation of viewers. The return of several original cast members has also contributed to its popularity. Cal Dodd, Lenore Zann, George Buza, Adrian Hough, Christopher Britton, Catherine Disher, Chris Potter, Alison Sealy-Smith, and Alyson Court are all reprising their roles, with some taking on new characters. New additions to the cast include Jennifer Hale, Anniwaa Buachie, Ray Chase, Matthew Waterson, JP Karliak, Holly Chou, Jeff Bennett, and AJ LoCascio.
The development of the third season is already underway, while the second season is currently in production. Fans are eagerly awaiting the continuation of the series, which promises to delve deeper into the rich lore of the X-Men universe. The involvement of Chauncey, with his experience in exploring alternate realities and complex narratives, is expected to bring a fresh and exciting dimension to the show.
The news of Chauncey’s appointment was first reported by Deadline, and it has generated significant buzz among fans and industry insiders alike. The transition in leadership is seen as a positive step, given Chauncey’s proven track record with Marvel’s animated projects. His ability to craft engaging and thought-provoking stories is expected to enhance the narrative depth of X-Men ’97.
The original X-Men: The Animated Series, which aired in the 1990s, holds a special place in the hearts of many fans. It was one of the first animated series to tackle complex themes and character arcs, setting a high standard for future superhero shows. The revival series, X-Men ’97, aims to build on this legacy while introducing new elements that resonate with contemporary audiences.
The decision to bring back original producers Larry Houston and Eric and Julia Lewald as consulting producers is a strategic move to ensure that the revival stays true to its roots. Their involvement provides a sense of continuity and authenticity, which is crucial for a series that has such a dedicated fan base.
As the series progresses, it will be interesting to see how Chauncey and the creative team navigate the balance between honoring the original series and introducing new storylines and characters. The inclusion of new cast members suggests that the series will expand its scope, potentially exploring new facets of the X-Men universe.
In conclusion, the appointment of Matthew Chauncey as the head writer for the third season of X-Men ’97 marks an exciting new chapter for the series. With his experience and creative vision, Chauncey is well-positioned to take the series to new heights. Fans can look forward to a continuation of the high-quality storytelling and character development that has made X-Men ’97 a standout success. The collaboration between Chauncey, Castorena, and the original producers promises to deliver a series that honors its legacy while pushing the boundaries of animated storytelling.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, TheWrap
