LOS ANGELES — The voice and signature likeness of Marvel Comics pioneer Stan Lee are set to be digitally resurrected. A new licensing agreement between artificial intelligence audio firm ElevenLabs and Stan Lee Universe will bring the late creator into the digital age.
According to a report by Variety, the partnership will place Lee’s digital persona into a specialized marketplace. This platform permits approved entities to license AI-generated celebrity voices and digital likenesses for specific projects.
The agreement specifies that users will soon be able to hear an AI-generated version of Lee narrate books through specialized reading applications. Additionally, users can generate his digital likeness using comic-style visual templates.
TRAINING THE MODEL ON HISTORIC RECORDINGS
Company officials at ElevenLabs stated that the artificial intelligence model was trained using extensive, high-quality professional recordings of Lee.
To mark the announcement, the tech firm released a promotional video showcasing the replicated voice. In the clip, the digital version of Lee delivers a poignant line stating that legends outlive the page.
Chaz Rainey, a board member of Stan Lee Universe, explained to Variety that the initiative aims to preserve Lee’s monumental legacy. He noted that the project allows modern fans to experience the creator’s distinct storytelling voice in a contemporary digital layout.
THE POSTHUMOUS AI REVOLUTION
This partnership highlights a rapidly growing and controversial trend across the global entertainment landscape. Estates of deceased celebrities are increasingly looking to digital cloning technology to maintain brand relevance and engage younger demographics.
ElevenLabs already hosts an array of historical and entertainment figures within its voice marketplace.
Stan Lee passed away in 2018 at the age of 95. This is not the first time his image has been licensed posthumously, as Marvel secured a broad deal in 2022 to utilize his likeness for film, television, and theme park appearances.
