Credit: Gage Skidmore via CC BY-SA 3.0 licence. Cropped from original.

The late Stan Lee may appear in future Marvel Cinematic Universe movies. A 20-year licence deal opens the way to appearances via CGI and archive footage.

Despite legal controversy before and after Lee’s death in 2018, the marketing rights to his name, likeness and signature are claimed through a joint venture of POW! Entertainment (co-founded by Lee) and Genius Brands International.

They’ve now agreed a 20-year license with Marvel that covers Lee appearing in movies, TV shows, Disney theme parks and other merchandise. It also covers use of prior footage and recordings of Lee.

Genius chief Andy Heyward told The Hollywood Reporter “It really ensures that Stan, through digital technology and archival footage and other forms, will live in the most important venue, the Marvel movies, and Disney theme parks.”

At the moment, the idea of future MCU appearances is just an idea rather than a firm plan. Studio bosses may wait to see how audiences react to the idea before going ahead.