Marvel fans know Stan Lee, the creator of many iconic characters like Spider-Man, Hulk, or Iron Man. Now, however, a news report is causing attention – and anger, as it concerns the topic of AI.
Stan Lee was a true legend. As a comic book writer, he created a multitude of heroes together with artists like Jack Kirby, who are known by nearly every child today. In November 2018, the creator of Spider-Man, Iron Man, Hulk, and the X-Men passed away from heart failure. Lee was 95 years old.
He is considered legendary also because he had small cameo appearances in many Marvel movies, and his face is therefore familiar to many fans. As it seems now, we can expect more movies, commercials, and comics featuring the comic book writer in the future.
How is this supposed to work? By using AI.
Close to the fans?
In what form does Lee return? According to a report from Variety, the company ElevenLabs has acquired the rights to Stan Lee’s voice and likeness.
Thus, the company will be allowed to create AI versions of the comic book writer in the future and license them to third parties. It would therefore be possible for Lee to appear in movies or other media in the near future.
Already now, users of ElevenLabs can have books read to them in Stan Lee’s voice. It is also possible to create comic panels depicting the author in a “drawn” form. However, the latter may not be used for commercial purposes.
The lawyer for Stan Lee Universe justifies the move with the alleged wishes of the fans:
Stan always believed that you have to meet your fans where they are: on the pages of a comic, at a convention, or in a brief cameo on screen. This partnership is a way to continue that. Fans have always told us that when they read his comics, they hear the words in Stan’s voice, and now we can make that a reality thanks to ElevenLabs.
Chaz Rainey via Variety
Is a AI-generated Stan Lee really in the best interest of the fans?
How do fans find the decision? So far, there are mostly negative reactions to the initiative to bring Stan Lee back through AI. On Reddit, some fans share their opinions:
- “Not even death can prevent this man from constant exploitation,” writes RevengeWalrus.
- “If you want to experience Stan Lee, read or watch his works and read his great Bullpen contributions. Don’t give your money to some algorithm,” urges RagnarokWolves.
- “Stan Lee lives on in all the artists who are inspired by his work. We don’t need to bring his legs back to life to make him dance for us,” finds DcalebX.
- “This is a sad day. May he rest in peace,” declares Bananaman9020.
- “Disgusting,” summarizes The_Best_Bacon.
Not all reactions are so composed; some condemn ElevenLabs’ actions with much harsher words. It once again shows how controversial the topic of AI can be – especially when it concerns deceased individuals. Stan Lee’s work continues to live on, as proven by a new series: The best Marvel series is finally getting a new season, bringing back the best superhero team
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