The news broke this week that legendary comic book creator Stan Lee passed away at the age of 95. Lee was easily the most iconic face behind publisher Marvel and created many of the world’s most famous superheroes, including Spider-Man, The Hulk, Iron Man, Thor, Loki, Nick Fury, and the X-Men.
For decades Stan Lee worked on creating new and interesting heroes and villains, and then fleshed them out with back stories, adventures, and flaws. Comic books may have started out as somewhat of an underdog pastime when compared to regular books, and they’ve certainly faced opposition from concerned parents over the years, but today superheroes are everywhere and not a year goes by without at least one big superhero flick hitting cinemas.
Several well-received super heroes films were released in the early 00’s, including the Spider-Man films starring Tobey Maguire and the early X-Men films but, in 2008, Marvel Studios released Iron Man and kicked off the first film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The MCU has spanned over 10 years and has seen some of the most iconic heroes and villains battle it out in action packed blockbuster films.
These films have cast many of Hollywood’s most high profile talents and has also launched the careers of several newcomers. A running gag in the films was that Stan Lee would make a small appearance for audiences to watch out for and as a result many stars have fond memories of meeting the creator of the characters they play. Following Lee’s passing many of these actors and actresses have paid tribute to him.
Chris Hemsworth, who plays Thor, published a post on Instagram:
Zoe Saldana portrays Gamora in the Guardians of the Galaxy films called Lee an “inspiration”.
Today we lost one of the greats. @TheRealStanLee, you were a inspiration and superhero to us all. Thank you for contributing so much- and giving us all something to aspire to! 💚
— Zoe Saldana (@zoesaldana) November 12, 2018
#ripstanlee pic.twitter.com/GzFhwgU0WA
Ryan Reynolds who stars in the Deadpool films thanked Stan.
Damn... RIP Stan. Thanks for everything. pic.twitter.com/TMAaDJSOhh
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) November 12, 2018
Hugh Jackman who played Wolverine for almost 20 years described Lee as a “creative genius”.
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. #StanLee #Wolverine pic.twitter.com/iOdefi7iYz
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) November 12, 2018
Tom Holland, who was recently cast as Spider-Man said we’re indebted to Stan.
Chris Pratt who plays Peter Quill in Guardians of the Galaxy said he felt extremely lucky to have met Stan.
Thanks for everything Stan Lee! What a life, so well lived. I consider myself extraordinarily lucky to have gotten to meet you and to have played in the world you created.
— chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) November 12, 2018
🙏♥️ pic.twitter.com/ryUjG7PL8D
Joss Whedon, who directed 2012’s The Avengers wrote:
Stan Lee created a universe where, if a character was beloved enough, they could never really die.
— Joss Whedon (@joss) November 12, 2018
Now THAT’S thinking ahead.
Thanks for so much of my life. You’ll never not be in it.
Several notable artists from outside the MCU also paid tribute. Star Wars’ Mark Hamill wrote:
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 pic.twitter.com/6OKH07ahJg
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) November 12, 2018
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson recalled how Stan Lee encouraged him when he first entered the acting business.
What a man. What a life.
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) November 12, 2018
When I first broke into Hollywood, he welcomed me with open arms and some very sage advice I’ll forever take to heart.
A true icon who impacted generations around the world.
Rest in love, my friend. #imagination #stanlee 💫 pic.twitter.com/dw3FXMgyHp
Given what a huge contribution Stan Lee made to pop culture, no doubt millions of people are mourning his passing. Stan Lee created hugely influential work and, though we may feel sadness at his death, lets not forget to celebrate his extraordinary life!

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