Disney Pixar has just recently come under fire with the report that the studio heads were actually being very anti-LGBTQ+ during production, and it was even said that they were blaming the lack of success of Lightyear for the same-sex kiss that happens in the film.
As it turns out, the toning down of the gay themes didn’t just stop at Pixar. Following the reveal of Disney’s gay gatekeeping, X-Men ’97 creator Beau DeMayo also revealed that he was asked to tone down some suggestive scenes for his hit show.
He posted:
Heard the same words “less gay” on #xmen97 when it came to Magnus and Xavier, as well as marketing 🤔 https://t.co/dyKunf7HJ8
— Beau DeMayo (@BeauDemayo) September 17, 2024
What’s interesting about the thread is that DeMayo also goes into detail about the changes that were asked of him while they were making the show. As it turns out, Magneto was supposed to be naked when he was being tortured by Bastion in the latter part of the season, and it was Marvel’s idea to put him in briefs.
DeMayo also goes on to talk about some executives misinterpreting scenes between Xavier and Magneto. He replies to someone saying Disney doesn’t have a responsibility to comment on social issues, “True, but when they start misinterpreting two males exchanging a look of brotherly solidarity before battle as “too gay” and one execs favorite word “creepy,” there’s an issue.”
Despite Marvel gayblocking X-Men ’97, the show still managed to get a lot of queer messaging in the final product. The allegory of discrimination was still very prevalent, and the scene where Charles saves Magento was still pretty gay despite Disney asking to tone it down.
Let’s also not forget Magneto’s official costume which everyone also thought was gay as hell:
Can we talk about Magneto’s cunty little outfit? This is such a slay. pic.twitter.com/sncdITdQDF
— Otaku Big Boy D.J. (@OhHeyDJ) March 21, 2024
Beau DeMayo may no longer be involved with Marvel, but you can check out his X-Men ’97 now streaming on Disney+.
