Stan Lee’s Surprising Confession: The X-Men Icon He Didn’t Invent
Think you know which Marvel heroes Stan Lee created? The truth behind one of the X-Men’s most famous faces—and how he became a box office legend—might just surprise you.
For decades, fans have linked Stan Lee ’s name to nearly every beloved Marvel superhero. Yet, even the most devoted followers might be shocked to learn that some of the most iconic characters weren’t actually his creations. During a candid AMA, Lee set the record straight about one particular mutant who’s become a global phenomenon.
Stan Lee Clears the Air on Wolverine ’s Origins
Lee often found himself asked to autograph comics and artwork featuring characters he didn’t create. One name came up more than any other: Wolverine. Lee addressed this directly, saying,
People will often ask me to sign pictures or comics of characters I didn’t create… Wolverine being a chief example of this… I always make it a point to tell people that I didn’t create the character, but they ask me to sign it anyway. I’ll always oblige a fan, but I won’t do it under false pretenses.
Despite not being involved in Wolverine’s creation, Lee’s association with Marvel meant fans continued to connect him to the clawed mutant. Meanwhile, Wolverine’s popularity soared, especially on the big screen, where Hugh Jackman ’s portrayal helped the character’s solo films rake in a staggering $2.74 billion at the box office.
Stan Lee’s Playful Doubts About The Wolverine’s Success
Wolverine has long been the standout figure among the X-Men, thanks in large part to his solo film trilogy, which wrapped up with Logan in 2017. But even as the movies found massive success, Lee once joked about their prospects. At a 2017 panel, he quipped,
I don’t have much to do with the movies, except of course, it’s my cameos that make them hits. I didn’t have a cameo in Wolverine. I apologize. I know you’ll be heartbroken, but they filmed it in Australia, and I just didn’t have time to go there, so I missed out on that one. The movie will probably be a dud.
Lee’s trademark humor aside, his cameos became a highlight for many moviegoers, with fans eagerly awaiting his brief appearances in each Marvel film.
Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine: From Comic Book Antihero to Cinematic Legend
Since his debut, Wolverine has been the face of the X-Men for comic book readers. But for millions worldwide, Hugh Jackman’s take on the character redefined what it meant to be a superhero. Appearing in ten Marvel films, Jackman’s performance brought a new depth to the role, reaching audiences far beyond comic shops.
While the original comic version was known for his ferocity and danger, Jackman’s portrayal added layers of humanity, making Logan relatable and sympathetic. His work didn’t just showcase Wolverine’s toughness—it turned him into a true icon of modern cinema.
Wolverine’s Comic Book Roots
Wolverine first appeared in The Incredible Hulk # 180 back in October 1974. The character was created by writer Len Wein and artist Herb Trimpe, with Marvel Comics publishing his earliest adventures. Over the years, Wolverine has become a staple of both comics and film, with fans debating whether the best version lives on the page or the screen.
The Wolverine films are currently available to stream on Disney+ in the US.