'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' Producer on How the Film Honors Stan Lee and Jack Kirby Without a Cameo

Until 2019's Avengers: Endgame, it was tradition for comic giant Stan Lee to make a cameo appearance in Marvel's cinematic outings, from 20th Century Fox's X-Men films to Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy and, of course, in countless MCU titles. However, his tragic death in 2018 put that delightful trend to an end, and nowhere will that absence be felt more than in the upcoming Fantastic Four: First Steps. Lee co-created Marvel's First Family in 1961, working as co-scripter and editor alongside legendary artist and co-plotter Jack Kirby. With the Fantastic Four's comic debut as the company's first superhero team, the pair ushered Marvel into a new, prosperous era that would help shape the comic giant into what we know today. Even though they're gone, though, producer Grant Curtis assures their presence will be felt in the family's new big-screen adventure.