Deadpool’s Rob Liefeld Thinks Marvel Left Out More of His X-Force Mutants to Save Money

July 5, 2026

Comic book legend Rob Liefeld has given his opinion about the X-Men ’97 X-Force lineup. The Deadpool creator suggests Marvel Studios deliberately excluded several of his original characters for one specific reason: cost-cutting.

This came up after the acclaimed animated series returned for its second season, introducing a revamped X-Force squad assembled by Cable. Fans immediately noticed significant changes from Liefeld’s classic 1990s roster and turned to the artist himself for answers on social media.

The new X-Men ’97 X-Force roster and Rob Liefeld’s money claim

In X-Men ’97’s season, Cable recruits Archangel, Psylocke, Sunspot, and Jubilee for his covert operations team. The lineup bears little resemblance to the original comic book version, which featured Boom-Boom, Cannonball, Shatterstar, Feral, and Warpath alongside Cable when Liefeld first conceived the concept in the early 1990s.

Responding to a fan on X who argued the original roster was superior, Liefeld shared his piece. “Yes, of course everyone has said that. But it’s their pick,” he wrote. “I think it’s because they would be on the hook to me for even more money if they use more of my creations. My deals are expensive.”

Yes, of course everyone has said that. But it’s their pick. I think it’s because they would be on the hook to me for even more money if they use more of my creations. My deals are expensive. https://t.co/uqv7RsOVou
— robliefeld (@robertliefeld) July 2, 2026

The comment shows a complex reality behind superhero adaptations. Rob Liefeld’s creations have appeared across various media, from comic books to the notoriously brief X-Force cameo in Deadpool 2, where nearly every member met a gruesome end within minutes.

Marvel Studios has since taken creative liberties with the animated team’s composition. Domino, X-23, Deadpool, and other mutants who joined X-Force over the years were also absent from the Season 2 roster.

X-Men ’97’s sophomore season features Apocalypse hunting the X-Men across three different time periods. As the main team scatters, groups like X-Force and the government-backed X-Factor step into the spotlight.

Beyond animation, the mutant resurgence continues building momentum. Insomniac Games’ Wolverine title targets a 2026 release window, while Avengers: Doomsday prepares to bring Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, and other Fox-era actors back to the big screen.

Originally reported by Devanshi Basu on SuperHeroHype.com.