DeMayo Claims Storm Was Supposed to Be Recast Because Allison Sealy Smith Wasn’t “African Enough”
Beau DeMayo, who initially led as the showrunner and head writer for X-Men ’97, parted ways with Marvel Animation before finishing the second season. According to Marvel Studios, he was fired due to allegations of sexual misconduct. However, DeMayo claims that his dismissal was retaliation for calling out racist and unethical behavior within the studio.
DeMayo has made several serious accusations against Marvel Studios. One of DeMayo’s most striking allegations involves the casting of Storm. While some roles from X-Men: The Animated Series were recast, Allison Sealy Smith returned to voice Ororo Munroe. DeMayo asserts that this wasn’t Marvel’s original plan.
He claims the executives initially wanted an actor who sounded more ‘African’ and even cast someone else, as seen in Marvel Studios: Assembled – The Making Of X-Men ’97. They later reversed this decision, considering it a mistake.
I really want this show to be good but this makes sense as @MarvelStudios does not take black people or our stories seriously. How could they when you have top execs making race jokes about black writers in notes meeting or saying “well, you can pitch that b/c you’re black” https://t.co/ieYq4ret0K
— Beau DeMayo (@BeauDemayo) January 17, 2025
We went with their pick, then they realized we were right and forced the team to break their backs re-recording half the season with the OG Storm. You lazily left their pick in the Making Of X-men 97 doc. Loved her just not the fit we needed.
— Beau DeMayo (@BeauDemayo) January 17, 2025
We tried. But again was told she wasn’t “African sounding” enough. Still don’t know wtf that means..
— Beau DeMayo (@BeauDemayo) January 17, 2025
Then having to sit there as Marvel gets the first 6 eps and says “something is missing”
Queue the same black guy they ignored now cleaning up their mess 🙄
The debate around this issue is complex. Many have expressed concerns about the portrayal of Storm, particularly the Americanization of the character and the trend of casting lighter-skinned actors in live-action roles.
Marvel Animation may have had good intentions, even if their approach was clumsy. Last year, X-Men ’97 director Jake Castorena spoke about the challenges of recasting, emphasizing the importance of keeping the legacy cast involved wherever possible.
He explained that while some voice actors couldn’t return for various reasons, they tried to find new roles for those who were interested.
The controversy continues as DeMayo’s comments stir further discussion about Marvel’s internal decisions and representation.
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