Five students of BYUH honored the late Stan Lee by sharing their favorite cameos of him in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the last of which is fittingly found in the long-anticipated and critically acclaimed “Avengers: Endgame.” One student commented on Lee’s impact on the world as it inspired him as an artist. Celebrities have used to social media to pay tribute to Lee’s long, extraordinary life.
Though he passed away in November 2018, Lee helped create some of the most iconic comic-book characters of all time, and he has left behind a Marvel-ous legacy, said John Fedak of The Tufts Daily newspaper.
A fan of Lee’s work, Tyler Dooley, a sophomore art major from Alaska, said the comic book entertainer inspired him as an artist. He said, “Lee encouraged people to do what they’re passionate about. He went from the very beginning of comic books to being the old guy behind some of the most recognizable superheroes. He’s taught me how doing what you like can create a huge impact on the world.”
Lee’s impact begins with the association people have with his superhero creations, according to Dooley.
Creating relatable superheroes
Fedak wrote in his article, “Prior to Lee’s meteoric rise to popularity, the superhero genre was saturated with unrealistic, god-like protagonists. Heroes such as Superman were portrayed as one-dimensional with perfect lives and no real problems outside of fighting supervillains.”
He continued, “Lee’s creations were far more complex. He gave his heroes painful backstories, personality flaws and trivial problems, making his characters not only human but also relatable. Spider-Man epitomized the human aspect behind Lee’s superheroes: A scrawny nerd from New York who must deal with new superpowers along with crushes, homework and fitting in.
“This novel concept was ultimately what led to Lee’s success and his popularity among readers young and old, and his devotion to characterization can still be seen in the [MCU] of today.”
Dooley said the impact Lee had on popular culture is significant because he made superheroes more relatable. “Take Spider-Man for example, I like how he really can be anyone. He’s someone who was your everyday person who was given an opportunity to grow and become something better.”
Ephraim Insigne, a senior from the Philippines majoring in accounting, agreed with Dooley. “He created the Fantastic Four because he wanted to show a superhero family: A group of people who have normal problems but happen to have superpowers.
“When he created Spider-Man, he wanted to give him normal high school problems. Peter Parker was late for work, got sick and had relationship troubles. This made [them] so different from God-like characters like Superman and Wonder Woman.”
Tom Brevoort, Marvel’s senior vice president of publishing, told The Washington Post, “There’s no question Stan and the innovations he came up with saved the comic book and the superhero.
“By crafting characters with feet of clay and personal problems and not writing down to an audience that was perceived to be primarily 8 year olds, Stan opened the doorway for more sophisticated and interesting treatments of any subject matter in comics. He made comics interesting, relevant, and fun again.”
His movie cameos
Beginning with the TV movie “The Trial of the Incredible Hulk” in 1989, Lee has made cameo appearances in nearly every film featuring Marvel superheroes.
Stephanie Eldenberg, a sophomore from Sweden majoring in art, said she loves all of Lee’s cameos in the MCU films because they show how immersed he was in his work. “I think it’s sad he’s passed away because he left behind a great legacy.
“A lot of people love him and he’s inspired so many people in different ways. He’s inspired us to raise ourselves to another level and be better than who we really are.
“Because of Stan Lee’s example and influence, people realize they have certain qualities. That might not be exactly like superpowers, but are almost as equal because they can still touch other people’s lives, save them, and help them.”
Lee himself once said, “The definition of a hero is someone who is concerned about other people’s well-being and will go out of his or her way to help them, even if there is no chance of a reward.
“That person who helps others simply because it should or must be done, and because it is the right thing to do, is indeed without a doubt, a real superhero.”
Jofre Downs, a senior majoring in computer science from Arizona, said in a Facebook comment there are two cameos he loves. “The first [cameo] is in the first ‘Avengers’ movie where he says to a news reporter: ‘Superheroes in New York? Give me a break.’ I thought it was so funny because of how ironic it is and [how it] really reflects his comedic attitude.
“The second is from ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ where Stan tells Miles [Morales] that he'll miss Spider-Man because they were friends and then subtly encourages him that he will grow into being a superhero eventually.
“It was just very touching because it showed how [Stan] had such a huge love for the characters he helped create.”
Lee has done cameos in Marvel films beyond those in the MCU, including the “X-Men” franchise produced by 20th Century Fox, the “Fantastic Four” movies, and director Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man” trilogy starring Tobey Maguire. Lee has also cameoed in several Marvel inspired television shows.
Debby Prins of Florida, 36, comments on social media, “My favorite [cameo] is in ‘Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.’ He’s trying to get into the wedding for Reed Richards and Sue Storm and tells the guy ‘I’m Stan Lee!’ But the guy wouldn’t let him in because he wasn’t on the guest list.”
Jensen Dye, a sophomore from Utah majoring in Hawaiian studies, said he’ll never forget Lee’s cameo in “Captain America: Civil War.” He said, “When Stan Lee was a mailman. [He knocks on the window] and asks [Iron Man], ‘Are you Tony Stank?’”
After laughing, Dye continued, “It showed me that even if you are a little kid, a young adult or just an experienced man like Stan Lee, laughing is always the best way to make yourself feel better.”
Lee showed his sense of humor when he told The Washington Post, “I don’t want Brad Pitt or Leo DiCaprio to worry. I’ll stick to cameos.”
Meghan Preece, a sophomore from Arizona majoring in biomedicine, was quick to say, “I love Stan Lee. I love pretty much any moment he shows up [in the Marvel movies.]”
Preece said, “I also really love the part he played in the first Thor movie when he’s trying to get [Thor’s] magic hammer out of the ground with his truck. The back of the truck is completely ripped off and Stan Lee sticks his head out the window and yells, ‘Did it work?’”
Raymond Tumblin Jr., 25, who lives in Florida, adds his thoughts on Lee’s numerous cameos to a Facebook post. “It was just the kind of fan service Stan Lee gave throughout his entire career and even later in life. He was always great with his fans and I felt like [his cameos] were an acknowledgment he and Marvel were always listening.
“They made you feel appreciated as a fan and gave the entire experience a family vibe.”
Stan Lee’s final cameo (spoiler)
Lee once told Playboy magazine, "You know, my motto is 'Excelsior.' That's an old word that means 'upward and onward to greater glory.' It's on the seal of the state of New York. Keep moving forward, and if it's time to go, it's time. Nothing lasts forever."
In an article for RadioTimes, Huw Fullerton wrote, “It seems appropriate that the late Stan Lee should have his very last cameo in ‘Avengers: Endgame,’ a film that ties up the loose ends of all the [MCU] movies to date and looks forward to a new future for the franchise.”
The cameo is brief but Fullerton says it seems to be a perfect send-off for Lee. During the Avenger’s “Time Heist,” a youthful Lee zips past a U.S. Army base in 1970s New Jersey and shouts, “Hey, man! Make love, not war!” before speeding off into the horizon."
Insigne said he thought Lee’s cameo in “Endgame” was great because it fits the kind of man he was. “He always wanted to contribute to society, and he did that through entertainment, and I guess what he wanted to do in his life is to spread love through stories.”
Joe Russo, one of the directors of the film, confirmed it was Lee’s final cameo. He told RadioTimes he thinks it’s a suitable endpoint, while his brother and co-director Anthony added, “It’s a miracle that he made it all the way to this moment for a cameo. I can’t believe that this will be his final movie.”
Lee said in an interview with The Washington Post once, “I used to be embarrassed because I was just a comic-book writer while other people were building bridges or going on to medical careers. Then I began to realize: entertainment is one of the most important things in people’s lives. Without it, they might go off the deep end. I feel that if you’re able to entertain people, you’re doing a good thing."
Celebrities celebrate his legacy
Following Lee’s death, numerous celebrities took to Twitter to also express their feelings about his legacy and the inspiration he’s been to them.
Chris Evans, the actor who portrayed Captain America in the MCU, tweeted, “There will never be another Stan Lee. For decades he provided both young and old with adventure, escape, comfort, confidence, inspiration, strength, friendship and joy. He exuded love and kindness and will leave an indelible mark on so many lives. Excelsior!”
Mark Hamill, famous for his portrayal of Luke Skywalker in the “Star Wars” saga, tweeted, “His contribution to pop culture was revolutionary & cannot be overstated. He was everything you hoped he would be & MORE. I loved this man & will never stop missing him. They say you should never meet a childhood idol. They are wrong. #RIPStanTheMan.”
Samuel L. Jackson, who played Nick Fury in 10 MCU films, wrote, “Thank you @TheRealStanLee for the escape from this world & great joy inhabiting the ones you created! You made many believe in the good, the heroic, the villainous, the exciting, most of all, you were giving & gracious to us all...”
Hugh Jackman, who has played X-Men superhero Wolverine in 11 movies, wrote, “We’ve lost a creative genius. Stan Lee was a pioneering force in the superhero universe. I’m proud to have been a small part of his legacy and to have helped bring one of his characters to life.”
“Ant-Man and the Wasp” actress Evangeline Lilly posted on Twitter, “Stan more than a master of stories, you always seemed like a master of living. I will look to you for inspiration for the rest of my life. You live on. xoxo, Your Wasp.”
Actor and comedian Seth Rogen tweets, “Thank you Stan Lee for making people who feel different realize they are special.”
President of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige also expressed his gratitude for Lee in a statement on social media. “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!”
Writer: Emi Wainwright