Avengers: Infinity War directors Anthony and Joe Russo have been juggling the many characters of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for three movies now, and soon to be four, but it took the work of Stan Lee to form the basis for this ever-expanding superhero world. So when the news broke that the late great comic book creator had passed away, the filmmaking pair took a moment to remember the man who helped make the Marvel brand what it is today.
On the siblings’ Twitter account, a behind-the-scenes photo was shared featuring the two of them conversing with Lee and a few Avengers cast members. Accompanying this image was the following text:
“Thank you for filling our childhoods with such joy. You will be dearly, dearly missed…”
Pictured mid-laugh in the photo is Robert Downey Jr., who recently shared a pic of his own on social media of himself and the late publisher, along with a caption that simply read: “I owe it all to you,,, Rest In Peace Stan…”
Meanwhile, Spider-Man: Homecoming star Tom Holland – seen looking very happy here next to Lee – commented on the man’s immeasurable influence earlier this week:
“How many millions of us are indebted to this guy, none more so than me. The father of Marvel has made so many people so incredibly happy. What a life and what a thing to have achieved. Rest in peace Stan.”
At the same time, The Avengers director Joss Whedon offered his own thoughts via Twitter on the lasting importance of Lee’s work, signing off his words with the message, “Thanks for so much of my life. You’ll never not be in it.” ‘
Given the mass outpouring of tributes to Stan Lee, it seems that countless fans and acquaintances are feeling much the same way. And while it’s a shame that Lee won’t be around to see the Russo Brothers bring the latest phase of the MCU to its climax with next year’s Avengers 4, it’s clear that his legacy will endure well beyond this highly anticipated release.
