Fantastic Four: First Steps Surprises Fans with Rare Stan Lee and Jack Kirby Cameos
Fantastic Four: First Steps Brings Back Stan Lee with a Twist
Fantastic Four: First Steps pays tribute not only to Stan Lee but also to Jack Kirby, co-creator of the Fantastic Four. This new film nods to the Silver Age of comics by featuring a clever live-action cameo of both legends during a key battle scene. If you’re a Marvel fan, this is a fresh and respectful way to honor their legacy.
- Stan Lee’s final cameo legacy continues in Fantastic Four: First Steps
- Jack Kirby also gets a rare live-action cameo alongside Lee
- The film draws heavily from the original 1960s comics, with modern updates
- Explores the creative partnership and tension between Lee and Kirby
Stan Lee’s Cameo Legacy Lives On
Stan Lee, who passed away in 2018 at age 95, is well known for his iconic cameos in Marvel movies. His last big screen appearance was in Avengers: Endgame, where he appeared as a 1970s version of himself. Since then, Lee’s image has popped up occasionally in subtle ways, like in the fake Stanley Steemer ad in Deadpool & Wolverine. Now, Fantastic Four: First Steps takes this tribute further by reviving a live-action cameo of Stan Lee, but with a new twist.
Jack Kirby Joins the Spotlight
During a crucial fight scene in the film, two men are shown working on a comic drawing in the background. They are unmistakably the images of Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, both depicted as middle-aged men in the Silver Age style. This clever detail is a nod to their real-life collaboration on the original Fantastic Four comics from 1961.
Director Matt Shakman not only recreates classic scenes from The Fantastic Four #1 but also updates the story by addressing outdated stereotypes, especially around Sue Storm’s character, giving her more depth and dimension. The film’s DNA is rooted deeply in those early Kirby/Lee stories, blending nostalgia with modern sensibilities.
Recognizing Both Legends Fairly
The creative relationship between Lee and Kirby was famously complicated and often contentious. Since Disney’s acquisition of Marvel, Stan Lee has been canonized in the MCU, sometimes overshadowing Kirby’s vital contributions. In fact, a 2023 documentary about Lee sparked criticism from Kirby’s family for not giving enough credit to the artist’s role in shaping Marvel’s legacy.
By including Kirby’s cameo alongside Lee’s, Fantastic Four: First Steps offers a balanced tribute, acknowledging that the magic of Marvel came from both of them working together. This gesture feels like a long-overdue correction in the world of MCU storytelling.
More Than Just Cameos
Lee and Kirby weren’t just behind-the-scenes creators; they often appeared in their own comics as playful self-references. This meta approach in First Steps continues that tradition, blending the history of Marvel comics with the cinematic universe.
For fans interested in the deeper story behind their partnership, the debate over creative credit remains alive and well. You can read more about this here and check out the 2023 documentary that stirred discussions here.
