Marvel Studios and Stan Lee Universe have entered into a 20-year agreement to license the name and likeness of Stan Lee so that the late comic legend will continue to be part of pop culture.

Lee, the beloved co-creator of Marvel characters Spider-Man, Avengers and Hulk who died in 2018 at the age of 95, became a fan favourite of new-age fans who would recognise him through his funny cameos in Fox’s X-Men and Sony’s Spider-Man franchises and later in the several Marvel Cinematic Universe films.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the deal will allow the studio to use Lee’s name and likeness in future feature films and television productions, as well as Disney theme parks, various “experiences” and merchandising.

Andy Heyward, chairman and CEO of Genius Brands stated that “It really ensures that Stan, through digital technology and archival footage and other forms, will live in the most important venues, the Marvel movies, and Disney theme parks. It’s a broad deal”.

However, this new agreement does not definitely mean that Lee will appear in films again, at least not in the sense that fans have come to expect. Lee’s most recent cameos were in Captain Marvel and Avengers: Endgame, both of which were released in 2019.

Aside from his name and likeness, the deal permits Marvel to utilise Lee’s voice and signature in films and television shows, as well as photographs, existing footage, and existing audio recordings.

The arrangement also includes exclusive rights to utilise Lee’s name, voice, likeness, and signature in theme parks, cruise lines, and in-park products. Lee appeared as figures and toys, as well as clothes and stationery, for audiences and park visitors.

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