Marvel Studios has signed a 20-year deal with Stan Lee Universe to license the name and likeness of Stan Lee, co-creator of Spider-Man and the Hulk, for use in Disney parks and experiences.
Stan ‘The Man’ Lee created Marvel Comics characters including Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Thor, Iron Man, the Hulk and the X-Men.
He also made cameo appearances in nearly every Marvel film and TV project from 2000 until he passed away in November 2018.
Andy Heyward, chairman and CEO of Genius Brands, said the company is “proud to be the stewards of the incredibly valuable rights to Stan Lee’s name, likeness, merchandise, and intellectual property brand”.
Stan Lee Universe licensing deal
“And, there is no better place than Marvel and Disney where Stan should be for his movies and theme park experiences,” he added.
“As we enter the centennial year of Stan’s birthday, 28 December 2022, we are thrilled to see his memory and legacy will continue to delight fans through this new long-term agreement with Marvel.”
Stan Lee Universe is a joint venture between Genius Brands and POW! Entertainment. Under the terms of the deal, Marvel has acquired rights to use Lee’s name, voice, likeness and signature in movies and TV projects.
As part of the deal, rights to use Lee’s name, voice, likeness and signature in theme parks, water parks, cruise lines and in-park merchandise were included for Disney’s parks, experiences and products division.
“As Stan’s longtime business partner and friend, I’m looking forward to commemorating his work in this new way,” said Gill Champion, president of POW! Entertainment.
“Building a connection with his fans is important to us and it’s a privilege to get to do that on his behalf.”
Disney is creating myriad Marvel-themed experiences for its theme parks, including the new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster at Epcot.
Avengers Campus is set to open in summer 2022 at Disneyland Paris following the launch of Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel in 2021.
Avengers Campus debuted at Disneyland in California in 2021.
Images: POW! Entertainment/Disney
