A Lineup of Stan Lee's Funniest Cameos in the Marvel Universe

Spotting Stan Lee became a fun Marvel movie past time.
Saturday 17 November 2018
Stan Lee was a visionary of his time. Photo: Valerie Macon/AFP

Earlier this week, one of comics’ best loved icons, Stan Lee, passed away at the age of 95 at Cedar’s Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. His legacy and illustrious career spanned over seven decades and spawned a plethora of memorable characters such as Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk and the X-Men.

Originally tasked with coming up with a team of superheroes to rival those of DC’s, their success exceeded his expectations, saying that he “just hoped the books would sell and I’d keep my job,” in an interview from 2006.

Against the make-believe constructs of DC’s heroes who resided in places like Gotham City and Metropolis, Lee imbued his with a sense of gritty realness and a complexity fans could find an affinity with. With a knack for storytelling and a clear love for his fans, it’s no wonder that Lee was such a beloved industry icon.

Even at the ripe old age of 94, he was still appearing in cameos in various Marvel films, to many a Marvel fan’s delight. Here are a few of his funniest.

Iron Man, 2008

Lee plays Hugh Hefner (who of course is friends with Tony Stark) who is surrounded by a bevy of beautiful women.

Thor, 2011

Thor’s hammer Mjolnir causes quite a stir in New Mexico, where, as with Excalibur, flocks of men attempt to shift it from its spot, all without success. Lee’s character attempts to move it with the help of a pickup truck. Hilarity ensues.

The Amazing Spider-Man, 2012

During a nasty fight at Peter Parker’s high school, Spider-Man and The Lizard find themselves in the library, where a hilariously oblivious (and deaf!) Lee hasn’t the faintest clue about the destruction going on behind him.

Iron Man 3, 2013

Lee plays a very enthusiastic beauty pageant judge.

Thor: The Dark World, 2013

Not one to be concerned with this planet alignment mumbo jumbo, Lee’s character here has other priorities.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier, 2014

Lee’s character probably should have kept a closer eye on Captain America’s suit.

Avengers: Age of Ultron, 2015

During a superhero shindig (would love to be a fly on the wall at one of these), Lee asks Thor to share some of his Asgardian liquor. Well, Thor did warn him.

Deadpool, 2016

Stan Lee jokingly told media that he was “damn mad” this cameo wasn’t shot on location but rather, in a studio. Not that we could tell he wasn’t in a seedy strip club moonlighting as a DJ.

Captain America: Civil War, 2016

An alias to rival Chanandler Bong, Lee shines in his cameo as myopic, old-timey FedEx guy.

Doctor Strange, 2016

With Kaecilius and gang hot on their cloak-tails, Doctor Strange and Karl Mordo try to escape any way they can in this most trippy of scenes. Again, Lee’s character is hilariously oblivious to the unfolding chaos.

Deadpool 2, 2017

After taking forever to get into his suit, Deadpool is paid a compliment by Stan Lee.

Spider-Man: Homecoming, 2017

Playing every grumpy old man ever, Lee’s character gives a teenage Peter Parker a stern warning.

Black Panther, 2017

After T’Challa has some words with Agent Everett K. Ross and leaves the table, an enterprising Stan Lee decides to swoop in.

Thor: Ragnarok, 2017

We have Lee’s character to thank for Thor’s new hairdo.

Related: People Have Very Strong Feelings About the New Pokémon Movie