Fans Pile Up Disgust Over AI Stan Lee Decision at LA Comic Con 2025

Published 09/19/2025, 10:54 PM EDT

Few creators have ever connected with their audience as Stan Lee did. His greatest creations were not just the heroes, but the vibrant, shared universe he built with his fans. Lee's famous film cameos were a continuation of his lifelong mission to interact with the people who brought his characters to life. Now, nearly seven years after his passing, that beloved tradition is set to continue in a way no one could have predicted. LA Comic Con has announced a new Stan Lee experience where technology will bridge the gap between two worlds. But for many, this latest technological tribute feels less like a celebration and more like a betrayal of his genuine, human connection with his audience.

Stan Lee's return will not be in spirit but as an interactive hologram, a pioneering effort to preserve his presence.

Stan Lee's legacy lives on through a digital resurrection

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Stan Lee, a name synonymous with superheroes and comic book culture, is set to make a historic return. For the first time since his passing, the legendary creator will appear at L.A. Comic Con not in spirit, but as an interactive hologram, powered by artificial intelligence. Organizers plan to keep his character intact by using decades of footage to ensure his voice remains authentic in context, spirit, and intent. Visitors can interact with this digital version of Lee at the Stan Lee Experience, a dedicated booth.

To enter the enclosed Stan Lee Experience booth, fans will need to pay between $15 and $20, with the lower price available for advance ticket purchases. In addition to the entry fee, there will be extra charges for one-on-one conversations or photo opportunities with the hologram. The hologram is the result of a collaboration between Proto Hologram and Hyperreal. The decision to feature an AI-powered Stan Lee hologram at LA Comic Con 2025 has ignited a firestorm of controversy among fans.

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The financial aspect of this new Stan Lee experience, which charges fans for interactions, has fueled a significant portion of the public debate.

Stan Lee's digital resurrection: A controversial comeback as fans disregard the move

The news of a Stan Lee hologram has sparked disgust from fans on social media. A significant number of people have voiced unease and skepticism about the concept. Several fans on social media found the idea a case of not letting the man rest in peace.

However, many have expressed excitement, describing the project as an amazing way to immortalize the man who created so many heroes. They see it as a powerful and enduring tribute that allows his legacy to continue engaging with new generations of comic book enthusiasts.

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While this technological resurrection aims to honor Stan Lee's legacy, the debate surrounding it reminds the authenticity explored in the documentary showing his legacy, revealing a profound ethical dilemma. As the hologram prepares for its debut, it forces us all to consider the delicate line between celebrating a beloved figure and commodifying their eternal digital presence.

“I’m damn mad about that!”- Remember When Stan Lee Revealed the True Behind His Cameo in ‘Deadpool’ Alongside Ryan Reynolds

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Will this technological tribute honor his legacy or raise new questions about the future of digital immortality? What are your views? Let us know in the comments below.

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Soma Mitra

355 articles

Soma is a journalist at Netflix Junkie. With a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication, she brings production experience from documentary films like Chandua: Stories on Fabric. Covering the true crime and docu-drama beat, she turns psychological thrillers into sharp, audience-aware storytelling.

Edited By: Itti Mahajan

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