One little titbit of gossip that might win you pub quiz might ascertain to knowing Chris Evans played The Human Torch in Fantastic Four, before landing the role of Captain America. Or perhaps, Ryan Reynolds was the Green Lantern before Deadpool. Here at Soundsphere, though, we are going to count down our favourite big time Marvel and DC actors’ roles in other comic book movies! We’re going to include the DC movie Chris Evans did, and a whole host of little surprises and useless facts. Enjoy!

10. Chris Evans

Let’s get America’s Ass out of the way first. Everyone knows the actor popularly known for playing Cap in the MCU previously played The Human Torch in 2005 and 2007’s Fantastic Four and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, respectively. Did you know, though, the full extent of comic book movies Evans has actually done?

• Johnny Storm/Human Torch in Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007), the first of these films was pretty successful at the time!
• Casey Jones in TMNT (2007), the CGI-animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie that no-one can remember.
• Captain Jake Lensen in The Losers (2010), based on the DC-Vertigo miniseries of the same name by British writer and artist team Andy Diggle and Jock.
• Lucas Lee in Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (2010), based on the series of graphic novels of the same name by Bryan Lee O’Malley.

• Steve Rogers/Captain America in Captain America in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), not as well received as it could have been, this is still a classic, early MCU movie and should not be skipped. A bit of dodgy de-aging aside, the film is great!
• Steve Rogers/Captain America in The Avengers (2012), the most interesting part of this film is easily the contrasting characterisation of Iron Man and Cap. The two are polar opposites, and it’s fascinating to watch.
• Curtis Everett in Snowpiercer (2013), based on the French graphic novel ‘Le Transperceneige’ by Jacques Lob, Benjamin Legrand and Jean-Marc Rochette.
• Steve Rogers/Captain America in Thor: The Dark World (2013), a mere cameo, although an enjoyable one in an otherwise bleak entry.
• Steve Rogers/Captain America in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014). Evans’ initial contract ended with The Winter Solider, but clearly too much fun was there to be had.

• Steve Rogers/Captain America in The Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), sadly saw a step backwards with Cap after the phenomenal The Winter Soldier. But that was always going to be tough to top.
• Steve Rogers/Captain America in Ant-Man (2015), a small (get it?), uncredited cameo.
• Steve Rogers/Captain America in Captain America: Civil War (2016), the Russo brothers steered away from the Civil War comic event, in which Cap died. For obvious reasons. Feels more like an Avengers film, but in a good way, albeit with Cap firmly in the limelight.
• Steve Rogers/Captain America in Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), probably one of the funniest cameos in the entire MCU. Brilliantly timed, just hilarious.
• Steve Rogers/Captain America in Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Cap appears more like his alter ego Nomad in this one, wearing vibranium gauntlets and ditching the classic shield. Good stuff.
• Steve Rogers/Captain America in Captain Marvel (2019), in a brief cameo with the other Avengers, teasing Endgame.
• Steve Rogers/Captain America in Avengers: Endgame (2019). The best Captain America movie, and it’s not even a Captain America movie. Incredible storytelling and the perfect send off. Inspiring, in many ways, and truly heartfelt.

9. Jeffrey Dean Morgan

Jeffrey Dean Morgan is probably best known, in terms of comic book adaptations anyway, for playing Negan in the hugely successful Walking Dead television series.

• Edward Blake/Comedian in Watchmen (2009), the polarising comic book movie that makes Alan Moore angry.
• Clay in The Losers (2010), the same ‘The Losers’ Chris Evans starred in, based on the DC-Vertigo miniseries.
• Jeb Turnbull in Jonah Hex (2010), DC Comics’ own western movie, that sadly won’t be getting a sequel any time soon. Jonah Hex does pop up on Legends of Tomorrow, though if that counts? Morgan’s role in this film is a mere cameo, opposite Josh Brolin.

• Thomas Wayne in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), another cameo that Zack Snyder probably wanted to have pay off in a future ‘Flashpoint’ film. With Lauren Cohan playing Martha Wayne, choosing both established actors for such small roles is clearly no accident. Particularly, given the characters are the Flashpoint versions of Batman and Joker respectively. There’s still time!
• Negan in The Walking Dead (2016 onwards), simply the role Morgan was born to play.

8. Ryan Reynolds

Yes, yes, we know. Deadpool then Green Lantern then Deadpool. Here’s our complete list:

• Seth in Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996), the television movie, not the subsequent series. Based on the comic strip published by Archie Comics.

• Hannibal King in Blade: Trinity (2004), a role that saw Reynolds essentially play Deadpool without realising it. Based on the Marvel series, ‘Blade’.
• Wade Wilson/Deadpool in X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), the role Reynolds was born to play, in the worst possible way.
• Hal Jordan/Green Lantern in Green Lantern (2011), DC’s initial answer to the MCU started with a false start.
• Wade Wilson/Deadpool in Deadpool (2016), the role that propelled into absolute anarchy and zany comic book fame. If you’ve not seen this, why not?

• Wade Wilson/Deadpool in No Good Dead (2017), short film tied to 2017’s Wolverine flick Logan. Available online here, in case you missed it.
• Wade Wilson/Deadpool in Deadpool 2 (2018), the sequel that cemented just how much of a troll Reynolds is with his fans.
• Himself, reading the Green Lantern script in Deadpool 2 (2018), yep. That counts.
• juggernaut in Deadpool 2 (2018), many fans may know Reynolds also voiced and provided motion capture for the Jugs. Not to mention producing and writing this flick and its entirely separate child-friendly-but-still-a-15-in-the-UK edit, Once Upon a Deadpool, Ryan can presumably retire early with this one!

7. Jim Carrey

Jim Carrey is best known for his comedy roles, particularly in the 90s. Part of his explosion into fame, was his standout performance in ‘The Mask’, ‘Dumb and Dumber’ and ‘Ace Ventura: Pet Detective”, all of which released in 1994.

• Stanley Ipkiss/The Mask in The Mask (1994), based on the Dark Horse comic of the same name, The Mask tells of Stanley Ipkiss, a regular nobody, who chances upon the mask of Loki, the God of Mischief.
• Edward Nygma/The Riddler in Batman Forever(1995), in Carrey’s second comic book movie, he plays The Riddler. Carrey and co-star Tommy Lee Jones famously did not get on, with director Joel Schumacher quoted as saying Jones “was not kind” to Jim.
• Sal Bertolinni/Colonel Stars and Stripes in Kick-Ass 2 (2013). In Mark Millar’s third Millarworld feature, based on the comic of the same name by Millar and John Romita Jr., Jim Carrey plays the psychotic and violent Colonel Stars and Stripes to perfection. Carrey withdrew his support of the film in the leadup to its release, citing the violence in the film and the Sandy Hook School shooting a month after filming.

 

6. Tommy Lee Jones

It’s a close call between Men In Black’s Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, but we think Jones wins. Will Smith has done Marvel and DC, but Tommy Lee Jones has done the MCU proper.

• Harvey Dent/Two Face in Batman Forever (1995), Jones plays a fantastic villain to Batman, opposite Jim Carrey as the Riddler. Who he hated. A lot.
• Agent K in Men In Black (1997). Yes, Men in Black is a Marvel property.
• Agent K in Men In Black II (2002), technically it was originally Malibu Comics, which Marvel bought in 1994.
• Colonel Chester Phillips in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), Jones played Phillips, a character first appearing in Tales of Suspense #63 (March 1965), created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee. Very, very cool to see him on screen, and Tommy Lee Jones nails it.
• Agent K in Men In Black 3 (2012). If our word isn’t good enough, pay close attention to the open credits of any of the films. Men in Black had Will Arnett, future Lego Batman voice, cameo.

5. Brandon Routh

Brandon Routh has, in the past, admitted he was never a fan of comics or comic book movies. He is happy to admit he ‘fell into’ it, but he more than enjoys it!

• Superman in Superman Returns (2006). Routh was picked to play Superman in this continuation of the Christopher Reeve Superman series, or at least, the good ones of that series, for his similar looks to the late actor. Reeve’s wife, Dana Reeve, described Routh’s resemblance as “striking”. Routh had previously auditioned for the role of Clark Kent in Smallville, and Superman in the canned Superman: Flyby movie.
• John Marlowe/Everywhere Man in The Batman (2006), animated series where Routh makes a brief appearance.

• Todd Ingram in Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (2010), Todd Ingram possesses ‘vegan powers’, which he uses in battle against Scott Pilgrim. Routh stars alongside his onscreen girlfriend, Envy Adams, portrayed by Brie Larson. Larson would go on to star as Captain Marvel in Captain Marvel and Avengers: Endgame.
• Dylan Dog in Dylan Dog: Dead of Night (2011), based on the Italian horror comic strip of the same name, published in English by Dark Horse.
• Ray Palmer/The Atom in Arrow (2014-2016). Routh had a reoccurring role in the third and fourth season of Arrow, as the shrinking physicist and business man, Ray Palmer, CEO of Palmer Technologies.

• Ray Palmer/The Atom in The Flash (2015-2016). Routh would reprise his role as Ray Palmer in The Flash, guest starring in the first and third season.
• Ray Palmer/The Atom in Legends of Tomorrow (2016-2020), Routh was a series regular on Legends of Tomorrow, portraying the character for the first five seasons.
• Ray Palmer/The Atom in Vixen (2016), Routh reprised his role as Palmer in the animated series Vixen, which was repackaged as an animated movie for home release.
• Ray Palmer/The Atom and Superman of Earth-96 in Crisis on Infinite Earths (2019-2020). In the Crisis on Infinite Earths event, Routh reprised both roles of Ray Palmer/The Atom and Clark Kent/Superman. This Superman is loosely based on the Kingdom Come iteration of the character, and presents a possible future of the character in Superman Returns. Both Superman and The Atom appear on screen together, with a joke being made at how similar they look.

4. Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson has starred in several comic book movies but still hasn’t got her own MCU entry. All that changes, with Black Widow, coming 2021.

• Silken Floss in The Spirit (2008), co-starring with Samuel L. Jackson, Floss is a ‘femme fetale’ secretary to Jackson’s Octopus.
• Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow in Iron Man 2 (2010), Johansson’s first appearance as Black Widow, a role she would play for the next decade.
• Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow in The Avengers (2012). When asked if she felt singled out as the only female star of the film, Johansson states  “She’s not in the cast simply to be a romantic foil or eye candy. She’s there to fight.”
• Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014). The Winter Soldier was originally set to be titled ‘Captain America and Black Widow: The Winter Soldier’. Studio executives got cold feet, however, and Johansson’s role was downplayed misway through production, for fear of a female character being portrayed too powerfully could ‘turn away fans’. Can we get an eyeroll, please?
• Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015). Scarlett Johansson filmed Age of Ultron whilst pregnant. The character’s backstory is explored and fleshed out, one of the highlights of this otherwise forgettable instalment of the MCU.
• Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow in Captain America: Civil War (2016). Some fans were skeptical of an ‘Captain America Vs Iron Man’ movie so close to ‘Batman V Superman’, but Captain America: Civil War was very well received. Particular in comparison to Batman V Superman. Romanoff plays one of the few characters in the film to appear genuinely torn over which ‘side’ to be on. Definitely a Black Widow highlight.
• Major Mira Killian/Motoko Kusanagi in Ghost in the Shell (2017), riddled with controversy over accusations of whitewashing, with Marc Bernardin stating “The only race Hollywood cares about is the box office race”. Paramount were accused of casting Johansson in an Asian role for fear an Asian lead would damage revenue, with Paramount at one stage admitting they had commissioned CGI artists to rework Johansson’s face with “Asian features”.

• Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow in Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
• Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow in Captain Marvel (2019)
• Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow in Avengers: Endgame (2019)

3. Josh Brolin

• Jonah Hex in Jonah Hex (2009), based on the comic of the same, which first appeared in All-Star Western issue 10 from 1972, Jonah Hex also stars seasoned comic book actors Michael Fassbender, Will Arnett and Michael Shannon.
• Young Agent K in Men In Black 3 (2012). MIB3 was the first Marvel film character portrayed by Brolin, making Thanos the second and Cable the third.

• Dwight McCarthy in Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (2014), based on the graphic novel of the same name by Frank Miller, and sequel to the 2005 movie ‘Sin City’. Unfortunately a third Sin City is looking ever unlikely, but Legendary Pictures recently bought the rights to produce a television series.
• Thanos in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014). Thanos’ brief cameo in Guardians of the Galaxy marked the first real big bad in the MCU, something the universe had sadly lacked until then.

• Thanos in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015). Thanos’ brief cameo in Age of Ultron accidentally caused a huge plot hole, which was later rectified in Endgame.
• Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War (2018), the first film we truly see what Thanos is made of, and draws inspiration from Jim Starlin’s ‘The Infinity Gauntlet’. Starlin has garnered critisism at Disney and Marvel, publicly stating he was paid more by Warner Bros for his creation Anatoli Knyazev in Batman V Superman, than he was for all Thanos appearances combined.
• Cable in Deadpool 2 (2018). While Cable’s appearance in Deadpool 2 looks pretty on par with his comic counterpart, no mention of his real name of heritage is made. Cable is, in fact, Nathan Summers. Biological son of X-Men members Cyclops and Madelyne Pryor (Jean Grey’s clone) and half brother of Rachel Summers and Nate Grey.

• Thanos in Avengers: Endgame (2019). Thanos’ creator, Jim Starlin, had a very public argument with Marvel and was pulled off writing a Thanos comic after Infinity War released. All seemed to end well, however, as Starlin made a surprise cameo appearance in Endgame.

2. Samuel L. Jackson

Sam Jackson gets bumped into the top of the list for his sheer number of appearances as Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. That said, however, the accomplished actor has twenty two comic book movies, as far as we can tell.

• Elijah Price/Mr. Glass in Unbreakable (2000), on a mere technicality, we class Unbreakable and the rest of the Eastrail 177 Trilogy as comic book films. Thematically, in style and cinematography, the feature is essentially an onscreen comic.
• Lucius Best/Frozone in The Incredibles (2004), very, very loosely based on the Fantastic Four and other 1960s era comic book movies. Part parody, part tribute. The references are difficult to miss.
• Afro Samurai and Ninja Ninja in Afro Samurai (2007), Jackson plays the titular character in this anime miniseries’ English dub to critical acclaim, based on the manga of the same name.
• The Octopus in The Spirit (2008), written and directed by Frank Miller, this flick is based on ‘The Spirit’ comic strip, by Will Eisner. The character debuted in Register and Tribune Syndicate in June 1940 and went on to be published by DC Comics, IDW and Dynamite Entertainment, amongst others.

• Nick Fury in Iron Man (2008), the first appearance of Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury.
• ZOG in Astro Boy (2009), CGI animated movie loosely based on the manga series of the same name by Osamu Tezuka.
• Afro Samurai and Ninja Ninja in Afro Samurai: Resurrection (2009), in this feature length follow up to 2007’s Afro Samurai, Jackson reprises his role to great acclaim.
• Nick Fury in Iron Man 2 (2010), rumour has it, Jackson approached Marvel Studios after seeing ‘his face’ in Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch’s ‘Ultimates’ (2002).
• Nick Fury in Thor (2011), Jackson initially signed on to portray Fury in nine films.
• Nick Fury in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), Samuel L. Jackson’s final MCU appearance was contractually Captain Marvel, but he reprised the role in Endgame and Far From Home.
• Nick Fury in The Avengers (2012), Nick Fury first appeared in the Ultimate Universe in Ultimate Spider-Man, making Brian Michael Bendis and Mike Allred his official creators in the separate universe.
• Stephen Warren in Django Unchained (2012), not strictly based on a comic, but DC Comics has published several stories set in the Django Unchained universe, as well as a joint collaboration with Dynamite Entertainment in ‘Django/Zorro’ crossover. This crossover is due to be adapted into a sequel soon.
• Nick Fury in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2013-2014), Jackson reportedly approached Marvel Studios exec Jeph Loeb about appearing in the show, which was kept secret.
• Nick Fury in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), the first actor to portray Fury in a movie, was in fact David Hasselhoff. Don’t ask, it’s embarrassing.
• Richmond Valentine in Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015), Sam Jackson portrayed the big bad in the first Kingsman movie, based on the Millarworld comic by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons (of Watchmen fame).

• Nick Fury in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015). In the comics, Fury was able to fight during the Second World War and into in-canon modern times due to an ‘Infinity Formula’, which reduced his natural aging process.
• Nick Fury in Avengers: Infinity War (2018). The unrelated 1998 movie, ‘Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.’, starring the Hoff, was written by David Goyer. Goyer went on to write the Blade trilogy, Batman Begins and the story concept for its two sequels, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, Man of Steel, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, two episodes of Blade: The Series, two episodes of Constantine, and two episodes of Krypton.

• Lucius Best/Frozone in Incredibles 2 (2018), Jackon reprised the role of Frozone despite a fourteen year hiatus and no contractual obligation.
• Elijah Price/Mr. Glass in Glass (2019), Unbreakable was initially concieved as a standalone movie, with Split being largely unrelated. Glass brought the two together, with Jackson portraying Mr. Glass once again.
• Nick Fury in Captain Marvel (2019), Jackson was de-aged by 25 years, the first time this had been done for a lead actor for the entirety of a film.
• Nick Fury in Avengers: Endgame (2019). Jackson also played Nick Fury in three videogames, Iron Man 2, Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes and Disney Infinity 3.0.
• Nick Fury and Talos in Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), Nick Fury is expected to play a leading role in an upcoming Disney+ live action series.

1. Stan Lee

Stan Lee was a prolific writer for Marvel and credited producer for almost everything Marvel produced for film and television, but is best known for his cameos. But have you seen them all? Even the DC ones?

• Narrator in The Incredible Hulk (1982-1983), animated series you’ve probably not seen. Stan narrates every episode.
• Narrator in Spider-Man & His Amazing Friends (1981-1983), animated series starring the webslinger, X-Men’s Iceman and newcomer Firestar.
• Jury Foreman in The Trial of the Incredible Hulk (1989), spin off of the Hulk live action television series, this TV movie marks Stan’s first movie cameo.
• Himself in Muppet Babies (1989), animated series of the late 80s. Stan makes an uncredited cameo appearance in the episode ‘Comic Capers’. We say this counts, because there was a Muppet Babies comic series, published by Marvel no less.
• Narrator in Pryde of the X-Men (1989), animated series pilot that never took off. Thankfully, as we got 1992’s X-Men The Animated Series instead. Fun with how ‘Magneto’ is pronounced, and Wolverine is bizarrely very Australian. Worth watching on YouTube here.
• Marvel Comics Editor in The Ambulance (1990), not strictly based on a comic book but this is no doubt an unorthodox comic book movie nonetheless.
• Himself in Mallrats (1995), again not based on a comic book but, if you’re a fan of comic book movies, you owe it to yourself to watch this. Worth it for the eventual payoff in 2019’s Captain Marvel.

• Cliff Walters in The Incredible Hulk (1997), animated series set in the first Marvel shared universe.
• Himself in Spider-Man (1997) cameo appearance in this other animated series, in the Spider Wars event.
• Hot Dog Vendor in X-Men (2000), Stan The Man’s first Marvel cameo as we know it.
• Man in Fair in Spider-Man (2002), the first Sam Raimi Spidey outing.
• Old Man at Crossing in Daredevil (2003), hilariously opposite “Man with Pen in Head” played by Frank Miller.
• Security Guard in Hulk (2003), fantastic cameo in an awful film.
• Jerry in Stripperella (2003), adult animated series, created by Lee. Not based on a comic, but a comic was commissioned for Humanoids Publishing, but was sadly cancelled.
• Frank Elson in Spider-Man (2003), CGI animated series by MTV, notable for being set firmly in the Sam Raimi Spider-Man trilogy but also tying into the Daredevil movie of the same year, by way of Michael Clarke Duncan’s reprisal of The Kingpin.
• Man Dodging Debris in Spider-Man 2 (2004), the second of Raimi’s trilogy.
• Waterhose Man in X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), after skipping X2, Stan returned to the X-franchise with his wife for a double cameo. Bless!
• Stanley in Mosaic (2007), not based on a comic, but an animated superhero movie based loosely on X-Men and created by Stan Lee. Star’s Anna Paquin (Rogue in the X-Men movies) and written by Scott Lobdell, comic book writer best known for his X-Men stories.
• Bus Driver in Heroes (2007), not based on a comic but a very clear emulation of the media. Noted for comic book writer and future Marvel Studios exec Jeph Loeb, and artists Tim Sale and Alex Maleev on the crew. Did have a spin off comic series, published by DC. Not the first time Stan played a bus driver…
•  Man in Times Square in Spider-Man 3 (2007), Raimi’s finale and easily Lee’s cringiest cameo.
• Himself, a rejected wedding guest in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007), pure joy.
• Himself, mistaken for Hugh Hefner in Iron Man (2008), hilarious cameo only grown ups will get.
• Milwaukee Man Drinking From Bottle in The Incredible Hulk (2008), Stan plays a serious cameo in this one.
• Himself in The Spectacular Spider-Man (2009), episode ‘Blueprints’.
• General Wallace in Marvel Knights: Black Panther (2010), mature animated miniseries/motion comic.
• Larry King in Iron Man 2 (2010), following on from his ‘Hugh Hefner’ appearance, Stan actually plays Larry King. We think.
• Stan The Man in Thor (2011), Stan plays a hilarious cameo alongside fellow comic book, film and television writer, J. M. Straczynski.
• General in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), as we’ve come to love and respect, obviously.
• The Mayor of Super Hero City in The Super Hero Squad Show (2009-2011), animated series aimed at young children, worth watching for Stan’s fun cameos.
• Himself in The Avengers (2012), Stan has a fun speaking cameo in what was then considered the greatest cinematic superhero achievement of all time, Marvel’s Avengers.
• School Librarian in The Amazing Spider-Man (2012), lifted straight from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, this cameo is utterly hilarious.

• Generalissimo in Fan Wars (2012), fun animated series that put popular Marvel, DC and popular culture characters and personalities against each other in joyful matches.
• Pageant Judge in Iron Man 3 (2013), great cameo, ’nuff said!
• Papa Smurf / Bird Scientist / The Amazing Man-Spider Announcer in Mad (2013), hilarious animated series based on the comic and magazine, published by DC Comics.
• Himself in Thor: The Dark World (2013), great cameo in a terrible movie.
• Debonair Gentleman in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2014), live action series based on the Marvel comic, in episode ‘T.R.A.C.K.S.’
• Future Tony in Avengers Assemble! (2011-2014), Stan played a future Tony Stark in three heartfelt cameos in this animated series.
• Smithsonian Guard in Captain America: The Winter Solder (2014), yes, this one is also obvious.
• Graduation Guest in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014), the possible only saving grace in this horrific flick.
• Xandarian Ladies’ Man in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), hilarious cameo with The Man definitely playing himself in space.
• Fred’s Dad in Big Hero 6 (2014), Marvel’s first animated Disney movie, and a lot of people still don’t know the Big Hero 6 team first appeared in Marvel’s 1998 comic ‘Sunfire & Big Hero 6’.
• Man on Bench in Agent Carter (2015), Stan had a fleeting cameo in the episode ‘The Blitzkrieg Button’.
• Mayor Stan in Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. (2013-2015), children’s animated series in the same style as The Super Hero Squad Show.
• Himself in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), great cameo, which you’ve all seen.
• Bartender in Ant-Man (2015), hilarious cameo in a hilarious film.
• Strip Club DJ in Deadpool 2 (2016), finally, a role in Deadpool 2 not played by Ryan Reynolds!
• Dispatcher in Yoga Hosers (2016), not a comic book movie, but a worthy successor to Stan’s cameo in Mallrats.
• FedEx Driver in Captain America: Civil War (2016), a cameo that makes you hate delivery drivers less.
• Himself in X-Men Apocalypse (2016), Stan’s final cinematic 20th Century Fox cameo.
• Stan the Janitor/Principal in Ultimate Spider-Man (2012-2016), Stan played a recurring character of himself in this great animated series that somewhat lacked Eddie Brock, because reasons.
• Bus Passenger in Doctor Strange (2016), Stan’s second time on a bus, apparently, this time as a passenger.
• Deadpool: No Good Deed (2017), Stan’s final collaboration with Ryan Reynolds, but not Fox…
• Watcher Informant in Guardians of the Galaxy 2 (2017), James Gunn’s attempt at canonising every Stan Lee appearance across the MCU as Stan playing a Watcher, in two separate scenes.

• Gary in Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), another cameo, one of the few directed by James Gunn separately.
• Man Leaving Tex’s Lounge in The Gifted (2017), in this live action series produced by Marvel Television Studios and 20th Century Fox based on the X-Men franchise, Stan has a small but important cameo. The final with Fox, in the episode ‘eXposed’.
• Barber in Thor: Ragnarok (2017), another Gunn-shot cameo, and as such, it’s very funny.
• Hot Dog Vendor in Marvel Future Avengers (2017), another one for the kids.
• Driver in Runaways (2017), amazing underrated television show by Marvel Studios, which everyone should watch. Stan makes an appearance in ‘Metamorphosis’.
• Big Hero 6: The Series (2017-2020), Stan reprises his fleeting post-credit cameo as Fred’s Dad, but in a reoccurring role.
• Bus Driver in Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Stan’s third time on a bus, this time back to driving. Does this mean Heroes is in the MCU…? (Probably not.)
• Shrinking Car Owner in Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018), another Gunn-shot cameo, hilarious.
• Stan/Cameraman in Spider-Man (2017-2018), animated series for the kids.

• Himself in Teen Titans GO! to the Movies (2018), whilst this DC property, at first glance anyway, appears to be aimed exclusively at children, it most certainly is not. Stan has two not-so-subtle cameos in this, and they are both absolutely brilliant.

• Dapper Dog Walker in Venom (2018), great cameo, but blink and you will miss it.
• Himself in Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018), probably the hardest Stan Lee appearance to watch, released posthumously, just a month after he passed away.
• Himself in Captain Marvel (2019), the de-aging software Marvel Studios invested heavily in was not wasted on a much younger looking Stan.
• Driver in Avengers: Endgame (2019), as far as we know, the final Stan Lee cameo. But who knows?

 

Words: Graeme Small