Marvel has signed a 20-year contract with Stan Lee Universe (a joint venture between Genius Brands International and POW! Entertainment) to use the name, voice, and likeness of the late comic book writer Stan Lee in future movies, TV shows, and Disney parks. and when selling themed souvenirs.   

“Thus, Stan, through digital technology, archival footage and other means, will live in the most important projects: in Marvel films and Disney amusement parks,” says Andy Hayward, head of Genius Brands International.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the deal doesn't necessarily mean that Stan Lee cameos will be inserted into Marvel films again - it's not yet clear if viewers want to see the writer's digital "resurrection".

However, Hayward is confident that the audience will certainly accept the company's ideas if they are implemented with respect for Lee.

“The audience bowed to Stan, and if it is done in style, with taste and respect for who he was, (using his image. -

RT

) will be welcome,” says Andy Hayward.

“He is loved, and long after you and I are gone, he will be the epitome of Marvel.”

The news of the deal was mostly negatively received by fans of Stan Lee's work.

Several social media users accused Marvel of intending to capitalize on the famous comic book author's name.

“The way Stan Lee was mocked to cash in on his image in the last years of his life and even after death is like a retribution for the fact that he exploited the artists who brought him money and fame,” writes one of the bloggers on Twitter .

“I beg you, let Stan Lee just rest in peace, don’t use him for money,” urges another author.

  • © Shot from the movie "The Amazing Spider-Man"

Another user of the site stated that “Stan Lee is no longer human.

He is now a Marvel character who will say and do whatever Disney says."

However, among fans of Marvel products there are those who will be glad to return Stan Lee to the screens.

True, some of the bloggers spoke out against the creation of a digital image of the writer, while he does not object to the use of materials recorded with the participation of Lee.

“I love the idea of ​​bringing back a Stan Lee cameo to the Marvel Cinematic Universe – it was a wonderful tradition for a wonderful person, but I really hope that this will not be a digital model.

Let him be in a photo, on TV or artwork, or even use his voice, but not the digital version of this person, ”the message says.

Another user noted that the use of Lee's image would be acceptable only if he himself agreed to this during his lifetime.

“I can only approve this if they have a notarized letter signed by Stan Lee (not forged) that he agrees to use his image in a digital representation.

Otherwise, we agree that this exploitation should be abandoned.

With what subject does Marvel have an agreement on this? ”, The author writes.

At the same time, another blogger notes that such a decision by Marvel does not contradict the principles of Lee himself, since he has repeatedly appeared in the company's films.

“I don’t know, for some reason it seems to me that he would not mind, even encourage.

He liked to appear in a cameo in any brainchild of Marvel.

If you think about it, this is very in the spirit of Stan Lee, ”the user believes.

Stan Lee's career began in the late 1930s when he got a job as an office assistant at Timely Comics.

Later he worked as an author and illustrator, and in 1961 he co-authored the first Fantastic Four comic book series with Jack Kirby.

Stan Lee also had a hand in creating comics about Spider-Man, Hulk, Iron Man, Daredevil and other characters.

His works formed the basis of many popular films and TV series.

Stan Lee has appeared many times in episodes of film projects based on his comics.

The writer can be seen in the films of the series "Iron Man", "The Avengers", "Guardians of the Galaxy" and others.

Lee noted that he gladly agreed to participate in the filming and always hoped that there would be a place for him in the next project.