Actor Paul Reiser is set to play the Stan-Lee-inspired character The Legend in The Boys season 3. Reiser is best known for his work in the TV show Mad About You and his series, The Paul Reiser Show. Reiser has been a character actor in multiple feature films, including James Cameron's Aliens, Beverly Hills Cop II, and Whiplash. The actor has recently starred in the TV series Red Oaks, Fosse/Verdon, The Kominsky Method, and Netflix's Stranger Things.
The Legend appears in The Boys comics as a former editor and writer for Vought-American's Victory Comics, who has a vast knowledge of all the supes working for Vought. He lives underneath a comic-book store and acts as an unofficial member of The Boys, feeding them information about the various supes they're trying to take down. The Legend knows all the dirty secrets of the supes and is characterized as more of a "horny" and crude version of Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee, frequently working with Butcher (Karl Urban) in sharing information about their supe targets.
Reiser will appear as The Legend in The Boys season 3, episode 5, "The Last Time To Look On This World of Lies" (per Variety). In addition to the casting announcement of Reiser as the character, a first-look photo was also released, which is a change from his comic-book look, particularly with Reiser not being bald. However, the Stan Lee-style glasses and signature cigar are present. Check out Reiser as The Legend in the image below:
The Legend, sometimes referred to as "Old Legend," is a staple character in The Boys comics, even if not a central team member. Fans have been wondering why he hasn't appeared in the show, as he plays a crucial role in sharing information that helps the team. In the comics, The Legend only talks to Butcher and acts almost like a parody of Stan Lee while making him more grumpy and perverted. The Legend also has ties to Queen Maeve, with whom he had a relationship at one point in time, but it's yet to be revealed whether that will be a part of The Boys show.
The Boys series has been mostly comics-accurate in their designs and characterizations but has taken liberties more and more as the show goes on while remaining faithful to the material. It will be interesting to compare Reiser's version of The Legend to the source material, but there's no doubt he'll be a welcome addition to the show. Reiser playing a sleazy version of Stan Lee feels like an excellent fit for the show that will surely appease fans that have been eagerly awaiting his presence while adding a new character to the ever-growing lineup.
Source: Variety