Marvel Studios Made a Deal That Allows Them to Use Stan Lee's Likeness for the Next 20 Years
Marvel Studios has made a deal with Genius Brands and POW! Entertainment that allows them to use the name and likeness of Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee for the next 20 years. This would allow them to bring him back digitally and use him for any feature film and TV projects. They will also be able to include him in Disney theme parks and experiences worldwide.
According to an announcement, under the terms of the deal, “Marvel Studios has acquired rights to use Stan Lee’s name, voice, likeness and signature in movies and television projects, as well as use images, existing footage and existing audio recordings featuring Stan. Exclusive rights to use Stan Lee’s name, voice, likeness and signature in theme parks, water parks, cruise lines and in-park merchandise were included for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products as part of the deal.”
The rights to Lee's name and likeness ended up with POW! Entertainment due to a contract he signed that assigned his non-Marvel creations over to the company. Lee’s daughter tried to get that contract overturned after his death, but she was unsuccessful.
Andy Heyward, Chairman & CEO of Genius Brands said in a statement, "We are proud to be the stewards of the incredibly valuable rights to Stan Lee's name, likeness, merchandise, and intellectual property brand. And, there is no better place than Marvel and Disney where Stan should be for his movies and theme park experiences. As we enter the centennial year of Stan's birthday, December 28, 2022, we are thrilled to see his memory and legacy will continue to delight fans through this new long-term agreement with Marvel."
Gill Champion, President of POW! Entertainment added, "As Stan's longtime business partner and friend, I'm looking forward to commemorating his work in this new way. Building a connection with his fans is important to us and it's a privilege to get to do that on his behalf."
So it looks like we’re going to start seeing Stan Lee cameos again in Marvel films and TV shows! What are your thoughts on that?