In a poignant revelation, James Gunn disclosed that he had crafted a cameo role specifically for the late Stan Lee, Marvel’s co-creator, in the script for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Unfortunately, before filming could take place, Lee passed away. Throughout the history of Marvel films, Lee had made memorable, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it appearances, with his last one occurring in Avengers: Endgame.
During the director’s commentary for Guardians 3, Gunn shared that the cameo, named Lambshank, had been written into the script prior to Lee’s passing. Initially planned as a voiceover role to spare him the travel, the project faced delays due to Gunn’s departure from Marvel. When filming eventually resumed, Gunn made the decision to embody the character of Lambshank himself. Lambshank was a peculiar product of genetic engineering by the High Evolutionary.
“I originally wrote Lambshank, the character I played, for Stan Lee,” Gunn explained. “Because I wrote the movie before Stan passed on, and I also knew he was getting much older, and it would be hard to bring him to Atlanta to shoot, so I did a character that I could just animate and then have him do the voice and have a little Stan Lee-like face on the character, but unfortunately, Stan passed – who I really enjoyed working with and directing so many times over these movies.”
Image via Disney
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The Legacy of Stan Lee’s Cameos
Throughout the years, Stan Lee graced numerous Marvel films, commencing with 2000’s X-Men. His first appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe transpired in 2008’s Iron Man, the movie that jumpstarted the entire MCU, where Lee, present at a glamorous gala, was mistakenly identified as Hugh Hefner by Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark.
In the Guardians movies, Lee initially portrayed an elderly Xandarian citizen known as “The Watcher Informant.” Positioned on a planet amidst fellow Watchers, he shared tales from various Marvel movies, hinting at his role as a cosmic observer witnessing events across the universe. He reprised this role in Volume 2, engaging in a humorous and exaggerated account of his time as a delivery man on Earth while conversing with a group of aliens. Lee’s final cameo in the Marvel Cinematic Universe occurred in Avengers: Endgame, where he portrayed a military veteran from the 1970s, driving past a military base and exclaiming, “Make love, not war!”
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is now available on digital platforms. You can watch our interview with Gunn and Chris Pratt below:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Legacy
Q: What was the planned cameo role for Stan Lee in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3?
A: James Gunn had written a cameo role named Lambshank for Stan Lee in the script. The character was intended to be a voiceover role, as Gunn anticipated the challenges of bringing Lee to the filming location due to his age. However, Lee passed away before filming could take place.
Q: What is the significance of Stan Lee’s cameos in Marvel films?
A: Stan Lee’s cameos have become a beloved tradition in Marvel films. He made his first appearance in 2000’s X-Men and became a familiar face in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In Guardians of the Galaxy, Lee portrayed an elderly Xandarian citizen known as “The Watcher Informant,” sharing his experiences from various Marvel movies. His cameos served as a nod to his role as a cosmic observer witnessing events across the universe.
Q: Why did James Gunn decide to take on the role of Lambshank himself?
A: Due to delays in the production of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 caused by James Gunn’s departure from Marvel, when it came time to film the cameo, Gunn made the decision to portray the character of Lambshank himself. This was a creative solution to still include the character in the film and pay homage to Stan Lee’s intended involvement.
Q: What is Stan Lee’s final cameo in the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
A: Stan Lee’s final cameo occurred in Avengers: Endgame. He played a military veteran from the 1970s, driving past a military base and shouting, “Make love, not war!” It marked a memorable last appearance for the beloved co-creator of Marvel.
Q: Where can Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 be watched?
A: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is available on digital platforms for viewing.
More about Legacy
- James Gunn reveals Stan Lee’s planned cameo in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
- Stan Lee’s cameos in Marvel films
- James Gunn taking on the role of Lambshank in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
- Stan Lee’s final cameo in Avengers: Endgame
- [Watch Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 on digital platforms](insert link here) (No specific reference found, as the movie has not been released yet as of my knowledge cutoff date in September 2021. Please refer to official sources for information on where to watch the movie.)
3 comments
Wow, James Gunn wrote a role for Stan Lee in Guardians 3? That’s so cool! It’s sad he couldn’t be there in person, but Lambshank sounds like a funny character. Can’t wait to watch the movie and spot all the cameos!
Stan Lee’s cameos are the best part of Marvel movies! He always brought a smile to my face. It’s awesome that James Gunn honored him by writing a role specifically for him. Excited to see Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and pay tribute to the legend. #StanLeeForever
James Gunn taking on the Lambshank role himself is a testament to his dedication as a filmmaker. It’s a shame the project got delayed, but I’m glad they found a way to include the character. Stan Lee’s legacy lives on in these films, and his cameos will be missed. Can’t wait to see the movie!