FX Cancels Donald Glover's Animated 'Deadpool' Series Before It Airs

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Everyone wants a piece of “Deadpool” now that the Marvel/20th Century Fox’s merc with a mouth character is a major massive hit. Fox, trying to capitalize on the anti-hero’s popularity, even commissioned an animated adult action-comedy on FX from “Atlanta” star, creator (and general creative genius) Donald Glover and his writer brother Stephen Glover, last year. “Deadpool” oversaturation? Whatever the case may be, FX has now canceled the show before it started, citing the infamous “creative differences”, despite receiving a 10-episode straight-to-series order initially.

“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.” The two Glovers were set to be showrunners, executive producers, and writers on the series.

Normally, one might think FX were crazy for jeopardizing their relationship with Glover. “Atlanta,” after all, is a massive hit for the channel and reaps tons of critical acclaim. But looking at the fine print, and using common sense,  knowing that Marvel is involved makes it a totally different story – with lots of cooks in the project that have to oversee and, most importantly, approve things.

The animated “Deadpool” series was to be produced by Marvel TV in association with FX Productions and ABC Signature Studios, and my gut says Glover’s take was just too out there for Marvel TV and ABC. His work was likely too weird for the studios, perhaps more akin to a “Rick & Morty” and “Bojack Horseman” meets the mutant character. Who knows? But one might not be entirely surprised to hear about creative differences given all the parties involved.

It’s unclear if Marvel TV and ABC Signature will continue to pursue the idea. FX, of course, will continue to Marvel TV on the live-action “Legion” which returns next month. Meanwhile, “Deadpool 2” comes out May 18.

Is it just us or do we detect some enthusiastic schadenfreude from “Deadpool” creator Robert Liefeld here? [Deadline]