What is Marvel without Stan Lee? The legendary comic book writer helped create so many iconic characters in his time, from Spider-Man, Iron Man and Hulk, to the X-Men and the Fantastic Four. When Lee sadly passed away in 2018, he left a huge legacy behind, and is irreplaceable as both a figure within Marvel, and as a good guy in general.
Over the years, Lee became more than a person behind some of our favourite superhero movies, but a star in his own right. Beginning in 2008 with Iron Man, the legend made dozens of cameo appearances in the films, which fans loved, and looked forward to spotting in new releases. Now, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Marvel have signed a 20-year deal which will allow them to bring him back to the films, or rather, his likeness.
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The deal is with ‘Stan Lee Universe’, which is a venture from Genius Brands International and POW! Entertainment: “It really ensures that Stan, through digital technology and archival footage and other forms, will live in the most important venue, the Marvel movies, and Disney theme parks,” Genius Brands CEO and chairman Andy Heyward said. “It’s a broad deal.”
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As well as being able to use any existing pictures, video or audio recordings of him, the deal gives Marvel the right to use Lee’s likeness, voice, name and signature in both films and TV shows, as well as, oddly, in theme parks, cruise lines, and in-park merchandise. So, as well as being able to bring back his cameos, presumably using the power of CGI, they’ve been given the go-ahead to replicate and put Lee on any toys or apparel they see fit, which is a bit creepy, to be honest?
“The audience revered Stan, and if it’s done with taste and class, and respectful of who he was, [uses of his likeness] will be welcomed,” Heyward said. “He is a beloved personality, and long after you and I are gone, he will remain the essence of Marvel.”
However, as Screen Rant writes, Disney previously attempted a similar endeavour in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker to include Carrie Fisher and Peter Cushing, which fans criticised both for the uncanny valley effect of the CGI, and just the questionable ethics of reviving late actors in general. So, whether Marvel will actually consider doing this to be a good idea when they get down to it is another matter - it’s sure to cause a stir either way.
Featured Image Credit: Marvel Studios, DisneyTopics: Marvel, TV And Film