Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Pratt and Simu Liu Honor Stan Lee’s 102nd Birthday
Kartoon Studios (NYSE American: TOON) celebrated Stan Lee's 102nd birthday on December 28th with a global online celebration. Hollywood stars including Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Pratt, and Simu Liu joined millions of fans across social media platforms to honor the legendary creator's legacy.
The celebration coincides with the upcoming launch of The Excelsiors, Stan Lee Universe's new superhero project featuring 20 characters designed for the AI era. The project will debut as a graphic novel through Legible Comics, with plans for TV and film adaptations. Michael Uslan, executive producer of the Batman film franchise, and his son David Uslan are leading the project's development for 2025.
Kartoon Studios (NYSE American: TOON) ha celebrato il 102° compleanno di Stan Lee il 28 dicembre con una celebrazione globale online. Stelle di Hollywood come Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Pratt e Simu Liu si sono unite a milioni di fan sui social media per onorare l'eredità del leggendario creatore.
La celebrazione coincide con il prossimo lancio di The Excelsiors, il nuovo progetto di supereroi di Stan Lee Universe che presenta 20 personaggi progettati per l'era dell'IA. Il progetto debutterà come graphic novel attraverso Legible Comics, con piani per adattamenti televisivi e cinematografici. Michael Uslan, produttore esecutivo della serie di film di Batman, e suo figlio David Uslan stanno guidando lo sviluppo del progetto per il 2025.
Kartoon Studios (NYSE American: TOON) celebró el 102º cumpleaños de Stan Lee el 28 de diciembre con una celebración global en línea. Estrellas de Hollywood como Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Pratt y Simu Liu se unieron a millones de fanáticos en plataformas de redes sociales para honrar el legado del legendario creador.
La celebración coincide con el próximo lanzamiento de The Excelsiors, el nuevo proyecto de superhéroes de Stan Lee Universe que contará con 20 personajes diseñados para la era de la IA. El proyecto debutará como una novela gráfica a través de Legible Comics, con planes para adaptaciones de televisión y cine. Michael Uslan, productor ejecutivo de la franquicia de películas de Batman, y su hijo David Uslan están liderando el desarrollo del proyecto para 2025.
카툰 스튜디오 (NYSE American: TOON)는 12월 28일 스탠 리의 102번째 생일을 기념하여 전 세계 온라인 축하 행사를 열었습니다. 라이언 레이놀즈, 사무엘 L. 잭슨, 크리스 프랫, 시무 리우와 같은 헐리우드 스타들이 소셜 미디어 플랫폼에서 수백만 팬들과 함께 전설적인 창작자의 유산을 기렸습니다.
이번 축제는 스탠 리 유니버스의 새로운 슈퍼히어로 프로젝트인 The Excelsiors의 출시와 함께 합니다. 이 프로젝트는 AI 시대를 위해 디자인된 20개의 캐릭터를 특징으로 하며, 레지블 코믹스를 통해 그래픽 노블로 첫선 보일 예정입니다. 배트맨 영화 시리즈의 총괄 제작자인 마이클 우슬란과 그의 아들 데이비드 우슬란이 2025년을 목표로 이 프로젝트의 개발을 이끌고 있습니다.
Kartoon Studios (NYSE American: TOON) a célébré le 102e anniversaire de Stan Lee le 28 décembre avec une célébration en ligne mondiale. Des stars d'Hollywood telles que Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Pratt et Simu Liu se sont jointes à des millions de fans sur les réseaux sociaux pour honorer l'héritage du créateur légendaire.
Cette célébration coïncide avec le lancement prochain de The Excelsiors, le nouveau projet de super-héros de Stan Lee Universe, qui met en avant 20 personnages conçus pour l'ère de l'IA. Le projet sera lancé sous forme de roman graphique par Legible Comics, avec des projets d'adaptations pour la télévision et le cinéma. Michael Uslan, producteur exécutif de la franchise de films Batman, et son fils David Uslan dirigent le développement du projet pour 2025.
Kartoon Studios (NYSE American: TOON) feierte am 28. Dezember den 102. Geburtstag von Stan Lee mit einer globalen Online-Feier. Hollywood-Stars wie Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Pratt und Simu Liu schlossen sich Millionen von Fans in sozialen Medien an, um das Erbe des legendären Schöpfers zu ehren.
Die Feier fällt mit dem bevorstehenden Launch von The Excelsiors zusammen, Stan Lee Universes neuem Superheldenprojekt, das 20 Charaktere für das KI-Zeitalter entworfen hat. Das Projekt wird als graphic novel durch Legible Comics debütieren, mit Plänen für TV- und Filmadaptionen. Michael Uslan, ausführender Produzent der Batman-Filmreihe, und sein Sohn David Uslan leiten die Entwicklung des Projekts für 2025.
- Development of new IP 'The Excelsiors' with potential for multiple revenue streams (graphic novel, TV, film)
- Strategic partnership with Batman franchise producer Michael Uslan
- Strong social media presence and celebrity engagement demonstrating brand value
- Diverse portfolio including controlling interest in Stan Lee Universe with over 200 characters
- None.
Insights
While the birthday celebration of Stan Lee generated significant social media engagement and celebrity participation, this news has direct financial impact on Kartoon Studios (TOON). The mention of The Excelsiors project, while promising, lacks concrete financial projections or immediate revenue implications. For a micro-cap company with a
The company's broader strategy of leveraging the Stan Lee Universe IP through The Excelsiors' multi-platform launch (graphic novel, TV, film) shows potential, but the 2025 timeline indicates no immediate financial catalyst. The involvement of Michael Uslan, known for the Batman franchise's success, adds credibility but doesn't guarantee commercial success.
Current market positioning reveals Kartoon Studios' diversified portfolio including animation production services and digital distribution networks. However, this celebratory news primarily serves as a marketing event rather than a material business development.
Millions of Fans From Across the World Remembered the Legendary Creator Through Social Media
Stan Lee Universe Accelerates With the Next Highly Anticipated Superhero Saga The Excelsiors
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Dec. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kartoon Studios (NYSE American: TOON), the controlling partner of Stan Lee Universe, marked Stan Lee’s 102nd birthday, December 28th, with a global online celebration this past weekend. Millions of fans worldwide across social media platforms, including X, Instagram, and TikTok, paid tribute to the visionary creator whose imagination shaped generations.
Hollywood icons Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Pratt, and Simu Liu joined the celebration, sharing heartfelt video messages reflecting on Stan’s unparalleled creativity, enduring vision, and unforgettable personality. Their messages, alongside countless posts from fans worldwide, highlighted the profound personal and cultural impact of ‘Stan the Man.’ Fans can see more at the official Stan Lee social media accounts:
- X: @TheRealStanLee
- Instagram: @TheRealStanLee
- TikTok: @stanleepresents
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realstanlee/
This celebration arrives as excitement builds for Stan Lee Universe’s next groundbreaking superhero project, The Excelsiors. The Excelsiors is one of Stan Lee’s largest initial superhero ensemble creations featuring 20 characters of superheroes and supervillains with unique powers, foibles, and vulnerabilities, uniquely conceived for the world of AI, algorithms and drones. The project is set to debut as a graphic novel through Legible Comics, with simultaneous plans for television and film adaptations.
Guiding The Excelsiors to life is the renowned Michael Uslan, the visionary originator and executive producer behind the Batman film franchise, and his son, producer David Uslan. Reflecting on the weekend’s tribute, Michael Uslan shared: “It was truly incredible to witness millions of fans worldwide—alongside legends like Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Simu Liu, and Chris Pratt—come together to honor Stan’s legacy. I’m privileged to have called him a mentor and friend, and I can’t wait to share The Excelsiors with the world in 2025.”
Stan Lee, born Stanley Martin Lieber on December 28, 1922, in New York City, was a legendary comic book writer, editor, and publisher who played a pivotal role in shaping the modern superhero genre. As the creative force behind Marvel Comics, he co-created iconic characters such as Spider-Man, Iron Man, the X-Men, Thor, the Hulk, Black Panther, and the Fantastic Four, often collaborating with artists like Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko. Lee revolutionized comics by introducing flawed, relatable heroes who faced personal struggles alongside their superhuman battles, making them more human and appealing to readers. Beyond his storytelling, Lee’s charismatic personality made him a beloved public figure and ambassador for Marvel, with cameo appearances in countless Marvel Cinematic Universe films. His contributions to pop culture earned him numerous awards and a lasting legacy as one of the greatest storytellers of our era. Stan Lee passed away on November 12, 2018, but his imaginative spirit and legendary characters continue to inspire generations worldwide.
About Kartoon Studios
Kartoon Studios (NYSE AMERICAN: TOON) is a global end-to-end creator, producer, distributor, marketer, and licensor of entertainment brands. The Company’s IP portfolio includes original animated content, including the Stan Lee brand, and post-Marvel Stan Lee content of over 200 characters through its controlling interest in Stan Lee Universe, as well as “Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten,” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, on Kartoon Channel! and Ameba; “Shaq’s Garage,” starring Shaquille O’Neal, on Kartoon Channel!; “Rainbow Rangers” on Kartoon Channel! and Ameba; the Netflix Original, “Llama Llama,” starring Jennifer Garner, and more. In 2022, Kartoon Studios acquired Canada’s WOW! Unlimited Media, and a material financial interest in its subsidiary, Mainframe Studios, which is one of the most successful animation service houses in the world, producing top brands for 3rd parties, including “Cocomelon,” “Barbie’s Playhouse,” “Unicorn Academy,” and “SuperKitties.” Additionally, the company made a strategic investment becoming the largest shareholder in Germany’s Your Family Entertainment AG, one of Europe’s leading distributors and broadcasters of high-quality programs for children and families. Toon Media Networks, the Company’s wholly owned digital distribution network, consists of Kartoon Channel!, Frederator Network, and Ameba. Kartoon Channel! is a globally distributed entertainment platform with near full penetration of the U.S. market. Kartoon Channel continually is ranked by viewers in the Apple app store at the top of user entertainment apps. Kartoon Channel! and Ameba are available across multiple platforms, including iOS, Android Mobile, Web, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, Pluto TV, Comcast, Cox, Dish, Sling TV, Android TV, Tubi, Xumo, and Samsung and LG Smart TVs. Frederator Network owns and operates one of the largest global animation networks on YouTube, with channels featuring over 2000 exclusive creators and influencers, garnering billions of views annually. For additional information, please visit www.kartoonstudios.com
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “predict,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “intend” or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release and include statements regarding the project being set to debut as a graphic novel through Legible Comics, with simultaneous plans for television and film adaptations. These forward looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, our ability to debut the project as a graphic novel through Legible Comics and simultaneously have television and film adaptations; our ability to generate revenue or achieve profitability; our ability to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms, if at all; fluctuations in the results of our operations from period to period; general economic and financial conditions; our ability to anticipate changes in popular culture, media and movies, fashion and technology; competitive pressure from other distributors of content and within the retail market; our reliance on and relationships with third-party production and animation studios; our ability to market and advertise our products; our reliance on third-parties to promote our products; our ability to keep pace with technological advances; our ability to protect our intellectual property and those other risk factors set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the Company’s subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
MEDIA CONTACT:
pr@kartoonstudios.com
INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT:
ir@kartoonstudios.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/15d2b9cc-324d-4916-9354-e6ec744903ea
FAQ
When will Kartoon Studios (TOON) launch The Excelsiors project?
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