Stan Lee, smiling

Genius Brands International and POW! According to the Hollywood Reporter, Entertainment has signed a 20-year deal with Marvel to bring Stan Lee back into the MCU and beyond. The legend of the comics passed away in the year of 2018, and his last in-person appearances were in the year of Captain Marvel, where he was digitally de-aged to fit the 1990s setting. Lee might not be the last time we see him on-screen.

So, what can Marvel do with Stan Lee?

  • It can use Stan Lee’s name and likeness in feature films, TV productions, at theme parks and “experiences” (for example, a cruise line), and in merchandising.
  • It can use “digital technologies” and archival footage to imitate Lee’s likeness.
  • Lee can appear as a toy, on stationary, apparel, and video games, and in virtual reality.
  • Marvel can replicate, recreate, or use recordings of Lee’s voice.
  • Marvel can continue to use Lee’s signature.
  • Technically, the studio can place Lee in films, much like late Star Wars stars Carrie Fisher and Peter Cushing were digitally placed in Rogue One.

While there is the ability to recreate Lee for the screen, a source told The Hollywood Reporter that this new deal does not necessarily pave the way for the return of Lee in movies.

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