Excelsior!
Excelsior!Stan Lee was more than just the father of all things Marvel comics; he was an icon in the industry.
Throughout his time with Marvel, Lee appeared in television shows, video games, and, of course, movies. Audience members sit in anticipation throughout a movie waiting to see when Lee will grace the screen. His cameos have ranged from hilarious to heartwarming.
Due to his death last November, Marvel has announced that his final cameo will be in “Avengers: Endgame.”
Below, we compiled our favorite Stan Lee cameos from movies throughout the ages. We will not be including appearances in film or on television. With that said, his cameo appearance in Insomniac’s Spider-Man, and his hilarious role on an episode of “The Simpsons,” will not be included.
7 best Stan Lee movie cameo scenes
7. Deadpool
When “Deadpool” first came out, the R-rating had us wondering if and how Marvel would use Stan Lee. He always gave off a wholesome, grandfatherly vibe , and Deadpool’s crude nature might tarnish that image. Marvel decided to veer into the skid by making Lee the announcer at a strip club. Guess what. It was hilarious!
When “Deadpool” first came out, the R-rating had us wondering if and how Marvel would use Stan Lee.6. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
By the time “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” came out in 2017, Lee had already appeared in more than a dozen titles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Around this time, a theory had been buzzing around the internet that Lee’s character in the movies was actually one of the Watchers. The Watchers are extra-terrestrial beings who, well, watch the universe.
By the time “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” came out in 2017, Lee had already appeared in more than a dozen titles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Around this time, a theory had been buzzing around the internet that Lee’s character in the movies was actually one of the Watchers.Marvel decided to have some fun with fans, and show Lee talking to a group of Watchers while explaining to them all the different characters he has been throughout the MCU . Whether or not this was a joke or a hint at things to come, we were just glad that Marvel was listening to us.
5. Iron Man
“You look great, Hef.”
About a year prior to Lee’s passing, Playboy founder Hugh Hefner passed away. The two had been friends throughout the years . The two also worked together and created a series and a brief comic strip for Playboy.
It was only fitting for Lee to impersonate his friend in 2008’s “Iron Man.” As Tony Stark walks into a party filled with celebrities, he stops to greet “Hef” who is standing outside with some lovely models.
Iron Man
4. The Amazing Spider-Man
Sometimes Stan Lee can say nothing and have an absolutely hilarious cameo.
In “The Amazing Spider-Man,” Lee finds himself listening to music at a high school library… for some reason . Unbeknownst to him, Spidey and Lizard are fighting in the background . As the two clash back and forth, Lee narrowly avoids getting hit by a desk as he quietly jams out to classical music.
3. Mallrats
“I think you outta get him some help. He seems to be hung up on superhero sex organs.”
If you ran into Stan Lee on the street, what questions would you want to ask him? Hopefully, your choices would be less perverted than Brodie’s in “Mallrats.”
In the scene, Brodie finds himself down on his luck. His girlfriend does not understand his obsession with comics and video games, and he doesn’t know which means more to him. Almost like a guardian angel, Stan Lee descends from the heavens to give him life advice.
Sadly, Stan Lee is no longer around to give you advice for your love life, but you can read this story to learn how he created his characters:
How Stan Lee created Marvel’s complex characters
2. Teen Titans Go! To the Movies
“This is a DC movie? Oh geez, I gotta get out of here.”
Stan Lee’s eccentric, charismatic personality never got its justice on film. However, when Stan Lee was animated in “Teen Titans Go! To the Movies,” we got to see all of his personality out in the open.
As he jokes while breaking the fourth wall, someone on set tells him that he is doing a cameo in a DC movie. Realizing his mistake, Lee bolts out of there.
1. Spider-Man 3
In the first two Spider-Man films from Sam Raimi, the people of New York City have mixed feelings about the web-slinger. Despite the fact that he has saved the city over and over again, he still has his critics (not just J. Jonah Jameson).
Finally, in “Spider-Man 3” Spidey has the love and appreciation of the entire city. After saving Gwen Stacy, Peter Parker walks through the city and sees a news report saying that Spider-Man will receive the key to the city.
As Parker reads the news, a string of emotions comes across his face as he processes the news. Before he can say anything, Stan Lee walks up to him to offer his two cents.
“You know, I guess one person can make a difference.”
The words have dual-meaning as they represent what Spidey has done for the city, and what Lee has done for Marvel comics and the comic book industry in general.
Although “Spider-Man 3” might not be the best Spider-Man movie by a longshot, it does have our favorite moment from our favorite comic book legend.
Spider-Man 3
Did you agree with our choices? You can see every Stan Lee cameo from every Marvel movie below:
Make sure you tell us your favorite cameos in the comments below!
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