Marvel Studios recently announced they will not be replacing Stan Lee cameos in future Marvel Cinematic Universe movies. Lee, longtime Marvel Comics head, producer, writer, editor, and industry icon, passed away in late 2018. His legacy, however, lives on through his characters, body of work, and fans. He has had a cameo in every Marvel-produced live-action movie, including two in which he cameoed posthumously: Captain Marvel (2019) and Avengers: Endgame (2019).

Throughout the decade plus run of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Stan Lee cameos have become a staple of the superhero movies. No Marvel movie was complete without a usually humorous cameo from Lee, totaling 22 guest appearances in the MCU films. Now that the Infinity Saga of the MCU is officially over, attention turns to the slate of announced movies and shows that will take Marvel Studios to Phase 4. Unfortunately, that will be the first phase of films without Lee.

Miami Latin News recently held an interview with Marvel Studios Executive Vice President of Production Victoria Alonso, who stopped by to discuss the Blu-ray and DVD release of Avengers: Endgame. She also discussed casting decisions and other MCU-related topics. During the 03:33 mark of the conversation, interviewer Adrian Rodriguez brought up Stan Lee’s legacy and his passing, asking, “Who’s next?” Alonso replied, “Stan Lee is not replaceable. So we will never try. That is the legend, the man, we will never try to replace Stan Lee.”

Alonso continued, discussing the potential for other people. “Other people will come around, and then you have someone as phenomenally creative as Kevin Feige.” However, she ends her thought by declaring “There’s only one Stan Lee.” This echoes the sentiments of fans and creatives involved in the MCU, many of whom feel his Marvel legacy will never be replicated. Considering the lasting impact his stories have had on cinema as we know it, these feelings make sense.

From Alonso’s comment, it seems Marvel Studios does not have any intention at all to give anyone else the same privilege of getting a cameo in every movie, Lee-style. It’s difficult to even imagine who else could fill the role in the same way and simultaneously would garner the same amount of love Lee received. There will no doubt continue to be plenty of celebrity cameos throughout the new Marvel movies, as has happened in previous installments. But the recurring cameos that Lee had will be something that was reserved just for him and will remain a special and unique part of the MCU’s history. Lee’s last cameo in the Marvel Cinematic Universe was during Avengers: Endgame, which was a fitting farewell to the chapter in Marvel history and to a true legend.

Next: Ant-Man And The Wasp’s Stan Lee Cameo Was Poorly Timed

Source: Miami Latin News/YouTube

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