Marvel legend Stan Lee, who co-created Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Black Panther and several other superheroes, is no more. Lee breathed his last on early Monday morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was 95.
Social media is already flooded with tributes pouring in from fans and celebrities mourning the demise of the fan-favorite Marvel comic creator.
Marvel Studios’ President, Kevin Feige, shared that Stan Lee has left behind an extraordinary legacy that will outlive all. He also offered condolences to Lee’s daughter and other family members.
“No one has had more of an impact on my career and everything we do at Marvel Studios than Stan Lee. Stan leaves an extraordinary legacy that will outlive us all. Our thoughts are with his daughter, his family, and his millions of fans. #ThankYouStan #Excelsior!” Feige’s tweet read.
Notably, Lee has made a cameo appearance in every single Marvel Studios’ film so far. The Marvel Cinematic Universe saw a jump start with Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man, the character co-created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, Don Heck, and Jack Kirby. The three separate phases of Marvel films have grossed more than $7 billion at the box office.
In an interview with Variety shortly after the news of Lee’s death was out, Feige confirmed that Lee had already recorded several such cameos back-to-back for upcoming Marvel films. However, he chose not to spill the beans and let it be a surprise for fans as Lee always wanted.
“I’m not going to tell you what specifically,” Feige said, “but Stan always appreciated a good surprise.”
“The amazing thing to be thankful for is that Stan got to see it all happen,” Feige said of the massive success that his Disney-owned unit has witnessed so far.
The upcoming Marvel film list includes Captain Marvel, which opens March 8, Avengers 4, which is set to release on May 3 and Spider-Man: Far From Home, which arrives on July 5, 2019.