First HD Photos of Stan Lee’s Secret ‘Cameo’ In Fantastic Four: First Steps

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The online release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps finally gives fans a clear view of the short, hidden appearance of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Marvel Studios is well-known for including the celebrated comic book writer Stan Lee in all of its movies. After Lee’s sad passing in 2018, his final on-screen cameo appeared in Avengers: Endgame. Still, Marvel Studios discovered another way to honor both Lee and his longtime partner Jack Kirby in their newest Phase 6 film.

With the digital release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, fans can now see in HD a clever nod to Lee and Kirby. Stan Lee and Jack Kirby created The Fantastic Four, first introducing the superhero team in a comic book back in 1961. In the movie, set on a 1960s-style alternate Earth, there’s a quick scene showing two men at a comic book publisher’s office just as Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer arrives with a warning from Galactus.

As a big movie buff, I always get a kick out of Easter eggs, and The Office is full of them! One that really struck me was a nod to comic book history. They mentioned Timely Comics, which is seriously cool because that was the original name of the company that eventually became Marvel Comics! It’s a little detail, but it shows someone on the writing team definitely knows their stuff.

You can also find rough drafts of different comic book cover designs displayed around the office. Many of these include hidden references-or Easter eggs-to comics that Stan Lee and Jack Kirby created together.

Perhaps the most noticeable piece is an artwork titled “OOG Lives Again!”, a panel originally appearing in Tales of Suspense #27. This issue was written by Stan Lee and illustrated by Jack Kirby.

This second view of the people in the office reveals more of the artwork they’re creating, and it still honors the creative styles of Lee and Kirby. It clearly demonstrates their influence.

It looks like one of the individuals was creating artwork for a comic book cover that was similar to the one used in the debut issue of The Fantastic Four.

The debut issue of The Fantastic Four features the superhero team fighting the monster Giganto. The cover art displays Mr. Fantastic, The Thing, Human Torch, and the Invisible Woman, visually highlighting each of their unique abilities.

The film also referenced The Fantastic Four #1 by featuring the character Giganto in the opening superhero sequence of the quadrant.

Considering all the clues, it’s reasonable to believe these two characters in the office are meant to represent Lee and Kirby within the MCU. It’s a clever tribute to the founders of the Fantastic Four, who have sadly passed away.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps premiered in theaters on July 25, 2025. This marked the first time the comic book team appeared within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), featuring Pedro Pascal as Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Invisible Woman, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as the Thing, and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm.  

Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s Legacy Lives on in the MCU

For nearly 20 Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films, seeing Stan Lee make a cameo became a fan favorite. After his death, many thought those appearances would stop. But in 2022, Marvel Studios made an agreement to continue using Lee’s image and name in future movies and shows for the next 20 years. This ensures his legacy will live on within the MCU.

We first noticed this in the 2024 film Deadpool & Wolverine. The movie featured an in-universe ad using Lee’s image for a company called “Stanlee Steamer.” The ad cleverly adapted the famous Spider-Man line, changing it to: “Your Friendly Neighborhood Cleaners.”

Several Marvel movies, such as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Spider-Man: No Way Home, had originally intended to feature cameos by Lee before he died, but those appearances were ultimately cut.

Things like Easter eggs – for instance, the one found in The Fantastic Four: First Steps – show how Marvel Studios can keep honoring the important people who shaped Marvel and make sure their work is remembered.

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2025-10-05 00:00