Marvel Legend Stan Lee to Be ‘Resurrected’ Through AI, With His Voice and Likeness Licensed for Commercial Use
AI audio company ElevenLabs has acquired the commercial rights to the voice and likeness of Stan Lee, the legendary Marvel Comics creator who passed away in 2018. The company intends to license these digital replications for use in films, commercials, and other media, effectively creating a digital resurrection of the entertainment icon.
ElevenLabs users will be able to utilize Lee’s replicated voice for various applications, including narrating audiobooks and hosting a “Stan Lee Book Club of the Month” series. Additionally, users can generate comic book panels featuring Lee’s likeness using provided templates, creating new content featuring his image and voice.
The announcement positions this as an extension of Stan Lee’s legacy and passion for reaching fans across multiple mediums. According to Chaz Rainey, a lawyer and board member for Stan Lee Universe, the initiative aligns with Lee’s philosophy of meeting audiences wherever they were—whether in comic pages, at conventions, or in on-screen appearances.
This development highlights the growing intersection of artificial intelligence and entertainment, where deceased public figures’ likenesses and voices can be digitally recreated and commercialized. While the move enables new creative possibilities for content featuring the beloved creator, it also raises broader questions about consent, legacy, and the future of AI-generated personhood in media and commerce.