Audiences will next see Stan Lee, the legendary co-creator of Marvel heroes including Spider-Man, Iron Man, X-Men and The Fantastic Four, when he pops up on screen in “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” opening this week.
With more than 30 cameos to his credit, Lee, 94, has played a range of characters. But what exactly he does in “Homecoming” is a closely-guarded secret.
“I’m not allowed, ever, to reveal my cameos,” he said.
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In an interview last week in Westwood, just before he delivered the commencement speech for the UCLA Extension program, the Marvel Comics legend said although he hasn’t seen the latest chapter in the Spider-Man saga, he’s very happy with how Marvel has brought his characters to life.
Q You were so lively on the red carpet at the L.A. premiere of “Spider-Man: Homecoming.”
A I enjoy the red carpet. I enjoy being with people, meeting people, talking to people. … I think do what you like. I like being with people. I like talking to them. I like everything about my life, so it’s fun. I’m lucky enough to have friends that I like, a wife (Lee’s wife of 70 years, Joan Lee) that I love. And every day is a new adventure.
Q Have you seen ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’?
A I did not see it. I went to the red carpet festivities. But I had to get home. I wasn’t able to stay to see the movie. I can’t wait to see it.
Q Did you read the screenplay for ‘Homecoming’?
A I don’t read screenplays. I can’t. My eyesight isn’t good enough. Believe it or not — though I look like a perfect physical specimen!
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Q What do you think about how Marvel Studios has brought your creations to life?
A I think it’s the most wonderful thing. Marvel Studios has depicted the Marvel superheroes so beautifully that the whole world loves them. They could’ve done a bad job, but they didn’t. We had the best producers, the best directors, the best screenwriters. And we were so lucky in that sense. And the people seem to like the characters. I don’t think there’s ever been a time where one studio has so many major movies, one after another after another. And the people love them. I’m thrilled by that.
Q You weren’t a fan of the 1970s TV show, ‘The Amazing Spider-Man.’
A Years ago, when they had the TV series — and the actor was good; everything was good — but they didn’t have the ability, the special effects. They couldn’t make it look like he was sticking to the wall as he crawled up the wall. Those little things. When they tried the special effects, they looked a little corny because it was too soon. They hadn’t been invented yet. And also, they didn’t have a big budget. It wasn’t as good as it should have been.
Q Can you tell us anything about your upcoming appearance in Spider-Man: Homecoming?
A I’m not allowed, ever, to reveal my cameos. You’ll have to see the movie. But as I understand it, it came out very good. That’s what people have told me. I love those cameos.
Q What’s your favorite thing about your movie cameos?
A It’s fun. For about 12 seconds, I feel like I’m an actor. Every kid wants to be an actor. When I was a kid, I thought, ‘Oh, it’d be great to be like Errol Flynn. I want to be an actor.’ So I do my cameo. For that brief period, I’m an actor.
