Yesterday would have been Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee‘s 100th birthday. And to celebrate the centennial, Disney+ announced that they have an original documentary on Lee in the works, set for release sometime in 2023.
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Variety reports that Disney+ revealed the upcoming doc on Twitter yesterday. “100 years of dreaming. 100 years of creating. 100 years of Stan Lee,” said the tweet’s caption, “Stan Lee, an Original documentary, is streaming 2023 on #DisneyPlus.” Marvel Entertainment tweeted the same message yesterday afternoon. The tweet also has a video highlighting some of Lee’s cameos and minor roles in movies over the years, ending with a zoom-out of an illustration of the comics writer-artist.
The current Hollywood wouldn’t exist without Stan Lee. During his time at Marvel, he created/co-created with Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko some of the most iconic superheroes that litter blockbusters today, including Spider-Man, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Hulk, Thor, Black Panther, and more. Lee retired from Marvel in the 1990s but remained ubiquitous with the comics publisher thanks to his frequent cameos and public appearance, as well as producer credits on Marvel productions.
Other tweets that celebrated Lee’s centennial yesterday include the official Stan Lee Twitter account, kept in use by POW! Entertainment. “100 years ago, Stan was born in NYC. Over the last century, his work changed the pop culture landscape & influenced millions,” reads their tweet. “At LA Comic Con, fans left messages for Stan’s centennial. Inspiration. Legend. Hero. These are some of the words that came up again & again. #StanLee100.” New DC Studios co-head James Gunn also wished Lee a happy birthday on Twitter yesterday. “Happy 100th Birthday To Stan Lee. You are missed, my friend,” wrote Gunn. Gunn’s tweet also has four pictures of him and Lee on set and at awards ceremonies from over the years.
There’s only a little info out about Disney+’s upcoming doc on Lee. Genius Brands International, which owns the licensing rights to Lee’s intellectual property, will co-executive produce the documentary. The film is part of a 20-year deal that Marvel signed earlier this year with Stan Lee Universe, a venture between Genius Brands International and POW! Entertainment that allows Marvel to license Lee’s name and likeness in upcoming films, TV projects, theme parks, and more.
Take a look at the announcement teaser for Disney+’s upcoming Stan Lee documentary below.