Marvel fans can rejoice and once again remember the late comic-book legend Stan Lee, as reports suggest a movie adaption of the largest superhero ensemble by characters created by Lee is under works. The question for Indian fans is, will it get a release on big screens or OTT platforms in the country?
Kartoon Studios on Monday announced the development of Stan Lee’s The Excelsiors for both TV and film, reported The Wrap. The studio, which is a controlling partner of Stan Lee Universe, also plans to launch a graphic novel with the movie.
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Indie label Legible Comics will work on the graphic novel. DC executive producer Michael Uslan, who has been the project executive producer since the 1989 Batman film, also joined the project. DC Comics and Marvel Comics are famously rivals to one another in the industry.
According to the report, the film will feature a 10-member superhero team, inspired by Lee’s famous “excelsior” catchphrase, who works for a near-future corporation “Amaz-Ing Tech LLC.” The story follows the team’s adventures in a world where global corporations are in power. “This was Stan’s baby, and I fully understand the gravity of overseeing this team to carry forth his vision,” said producer Uslan.
The report also mentioned some names of possible members of The Excelsiors. They are X-Otic, X-T, X-Change, X-Hale, X-Tricate, X-Isle, and X-Ecutioner, among others. Kartoon Studios also works on other brands from Lee, such as including Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Stan Lee was a renowned American comic-book writer, editor, publisher and producer. He became a prominent figure at family-run publisher Timely Comics, which later became Marvel Comics—home to Spider-Man, Iron Man, Captain America and other fictional superheroes, collectively known as The Avengers. Much to the dismay of his ardent followers, Lee passed away on November 12, 2018.
Lee has a niche yet considerable fan following in India, especially since the massive success of the Avengers and Spider-Man movie titles by Marvel Studios. While there is yet to be an official statement on international releases, fans in the country look forward to a film honouring one of the greats in comic-book publishing.