FX Pulls the Plug On Marvel’s Deadpool Animated TV Series From Donald Glover

FX is not going forward with its Marvel’s Deadpool animated adult action-comedy series, from Atlanta creator/executive producer/star Donald Glover and writer Stephen Glover. The project, an adaptation of the hit Marvel character, received a 10-episode straight-to-series order last May to premiere in 2018 on FX Networks’ comedy-focused FXX.

“Due to creative differences, FX, Donald Glover, Stephen Glover and Marvel Television have agreed to part ways on Marvel’s Deadpool animated series,” the network said in a statement Saturday. “FX will no longer be involved with the project. FX and Marvel have an ongoing relationship through our partnership on Legion, which will continue.”

FX’s other collaboration with Marvel TV, live-action drama series Legion, is heading into its second season, which debuts April 3.

The untitled Marvel’s Deadpool series was to be produced by Marvel TV in association with FX Productions and ABC Signature Studios. It is unclear yet whether Marvel TV and ABC Studios will continue to pursue the project (with or without the Glovers). The rights to the Deadpool character are owned by Fox — the Deadpool live-action movie, starring Ryan Reynolds became one of Fox’s highest-grossing movies of all time — so at the moment, until the pending Disney acquisition of Fox assets is completed, a Deadpool TV series has to be done with another Fox production entity. Aside from FX Prods., there is only one other Fox TV studio — 20th Century Fox TV. Further complicating things, for Donald Glover, the Deadpool animated series fell under an exclusive overall deal he has at FX Prods. (Donald Glover and his brother Stephen were attached as showrunners, executive producers and writers of the Deadpool animated series).

In 2016, FX Networks topper John Landgraf signaled a programming shift for the younger-skewing FXX with an emphasis on animation. FXX already has The Simpsons library, and FX hit Archer migrated to FXX with its eighth season. The goal had been to launch a new FXX animated series behind Season 9 of Archer in 2018, with Marvel’s Deadpool considered a strong contender.

Since his debut in 1991, Deadpool has grown to become one of Marvel’s most popular characters. The Deadpool movie earned $783 million worldwide. Its sequel hits theaters May 18.

Donald Glover has been very busy over the past year. In addition to the critically praised Atlanta, which recently returned for a second season after a lengthy hiatus, he has the Han Solo movie coming up as well as the animated The Lion King. He also earned a slew of Grammy nominations for his alter ego Childish Gambino.