Marvel fans accuse studio of ‘exploiting a dead man’ after return of iconic cameo

Published 12:37 19 May 2022 BST

Kieran Galpin

Marvel fans accuse studio of ‘exploiting a dead man’ after return of iconic cameo

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Fans plea for studio to let Stan Lee 'rest in peace'

Marvel has been criticised after announcing that the late Stan Lee would feature in future releases thanks to the magic of technology. The Marvel icon and beloved cameo actor passed away in 2018, but thanks to a new deal between Genius Brands International and POW! Entertainment, Lee could continue to make appearances across the multiverse. The deal also means that his likeness and name can be used for merchandising in Disney theme parks and various other "experiences". https://twitter.com/Cinematastic115/status/1526948474482212864 The deal has attracted criticism, with people accusing Marvel of "exploiting a dead man's image". "Stan Lee was exploited for the last few years of his life and now he can't even rest in piece (sic). Fuck. Off," one fan wrote on Twitter. https://twitter.com/TheMistressDove/status/1526960876342870018 "Let the man rest for f*ck sake," another said. A third said: "We live in a dystopian hellscape where death can't even allow someone to rest peacefully." https://twitter.com/bird_wells214/status/1526985198214098944 Andy Heyward, the chairman and CEO of Genius Brands, said that the deal "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". "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," he said. "He is a beloved personality, and long after you and I are gone, he will remain the essence of Marvel."