Kevin Smith's Mallrats, a 1995 cult classic, wouldn't be the same without a very special guest appearance. It's a beloved film, and the reason is, in part, to a legendary cameo that added to its enduring success! The movie did poorly initially but later made its mark and even became incredibly iconic!
Stan Lee in Mallrats
The film stars Stan Lee! But how did he get there? The director, Kevin Smith, recently gave some amazing behind-the-scenes insights that no one has heard of before!
Originally, the character who appeared wasn't even going to be Stan Lee, Smith had this whole idea, a sort of "Stan Lee-type" figure that gives some sage wisdom. The producer, Jim Jacks, who happened to know Stan Lee himself, proposed adding him in.
It wasn't initially Smith's idea and while it may seem somewhat out-of-the-blue, it looks like Jacks took things to another level by doing an incredibly creative thing that changed the whole trajectory for the show.
The Call From Stan Lee
Smith was shocked. This moment changed everything as he even goes as far to say that Hollywood is filled with a whole lot of connections! So Jacks contacted Lee. They met and a new scene was written that added another character!
The phone rang, it was Stan Lee. The best part was that Lee mentioned something incredible!
There was just one problem! What really is super funny was that Lee's line had "the girl that got away." and he explained how this could really make Joan Lee mad. But if we added another scene and jokingly mentioned how he is really being funny, that would keep her happy.
Smith, initially believed it was cute! He wrote the scene!
Stan Lee's Genius Marketing
Fans often want to know the details behind an iconic appearance in films. The appearance of Lee isn't a simple one.
There is a hidden lesson, according to Smith.
That he had more layers, going above and beyond!
- Smith even mentions this detail. How Stan Lee made his way to understand his market perfectly, so even something as casual as "the girl that got away" isn't just something he uses but adds another scene to maximize the appearance in Mallrats and add to his value. The genius of marketing.
Mallrats And Stan Lee: An Impactful Cameo
It seems everyone's a fan of Stan Lee!
Many comic book fans were excited as Mallrats was a geek fest of iconic scenes, the one that made Mallrats unforgettable is his guest starring appearance. But what is even more exciting? Lee was in a variety of Marvel series and films over time. This role changed a lot of what was being produced from there!
- Stan Lee was known to voice characters or narrate and add his iconic style! It looks like there's more behind his story and this might not be his first film or television series!
- Back in 1989, he appeared in The Trial of the Incredible Hulk. He would appear as a commentator!
- Mallrats was a breakthrough moment as Lee played multiple roles in multiple scenes!
- The fans even got the most prized Stan Lee himself featured on Mallrats' movie poster! What could have more of a lasting impact than that?
A Legacy For The Ages
The appearance of Stan Lee is quite special and he played many memorable characters. What makes it interesting is Lee's legacy in cinema expanded greatly after the release of Mallrats! He went on to do several cameos in Marvel-related films.
While many miss seeing Stan Lee after his passing it's important to celebrate this remarkable character and what his appearance means.
His ability to tell a story, even with short lines created some iconic moments in "Mallrats"! There is also so much talent shown by Smith. Not only for his work, but how "Mallrats came together to build this story. He even had to deal with those production details. With an aim to please Joan Lee it truly gives you insight into those big names! Even these epic names such as Lee knew just what audiences would love.
And fans who really enjoy Mallrats, can get a deeper understanding about these behind the scene aspects! It's also interesting how this specific movie was a launch pad for Lee's own foray into the world of on-screen appearances, shaping the course of appearances for the whole Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)!
