MCU Latest Release Is Hiding an Unexpected Stan Lee Cameo Many Missed

The MCU hasn’t really felt the same since the passing of Stan Lee. We got so used to seeing him cameo in various Marvel projects that everything that’s followed has felt empty from his absence.

He’s still a vital part of the Marvel community though, which is why so many have been outraged by Disney turning the late writer and artist into an AI attraction at some of its theme parks.

What we’re talking about today is a bit more positive though, a Stan Lee cameo that didn’t require Stan Lee’s physical presence but hit just as much as it would if he was really there.

In Fantastic Four: The First Steps, it’s established that the superhero team are beloved public figures even when they’re not saving the day.

Reed Richards has an educational TV series, Susan Storm is a prominent member of the United Nations, etc. There are even comics and action figures based on them and seen in the film.

During the scene where the Silver Surfer first descends onto the planet to warn them of Galactus’ inevitable arrival, two comic book writers/artists can be seen dropping their pencils and looking out the window at the alien figure, and these unnamed characters are directly inspired by both Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

On the wall of their office, you can see the Timely Comics shield, which Marvel was originally known as before it changed its name.

You can also spot various comic panels stuck to the wall, one of which is The Watcher, who many Marvel fans will be familiar with from What If?.. and other cameos.

It’s very much a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, so you’d be forgiven if you didn’t catch it on your first viewing. I didn’t catch it at first either, it was only when it started being shared around on X that I realised what I’d missed.

In my opinion, it was a lovely way of paying homage to the talented individuals who made Marvel what it is today, but are sadly no longer with us to see it continue to thrive.

Many have argued that we need a new character to cameo in future Marvel projects and while I can see the appeal of someone like Deadpool cropping up in unexpected ways, I think The Watcher would make more sense, as they’ve already appeared several times throughout Marvel’s animated projects.