The story of Marvel Cinematic Universe star Tom Holland meeting Stan Lee is unexpectedly and painfully funny. Holland joined the MCU in 2016's Captain America: Civil War as Peter Parker, AKA Spider-Man, to the delight of fans everywhere. Since then, Holland has appeared in five MCU films in total, with his most recent being last summer's Spider-Man: Far From Home. Spider-Man, of course, was created by Lee and Steve Ditko in 1962, and he has always remained one of Lee's most beloved and well-known characters. Lee had a cameo in every single MCU film up until his death in 2018.

Holland's Spider-Man will appear in the MCU's Phase 4, though exactly how many films he will star in seems unclear. Disney's current deal with Sony only allows for Spider-Man to have one more solo film (currently slated for November 2021) and to make an appearance in one additional movie. There is some hope, however, that he will continue to stick around beyond those two films. At the same time, rumors suggest Holland could have a cameo in Sony's Venom: Let There Be Carnage, but nothing has been confirmed.

Related: How Tom Holland's Spider-Man Could Appear In Venom 2

During a Q&A session on Instagram, Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn shared the story of how Holland and Lee met for the first time. According to Gunn, he was the one who introduced the two just after Holland was initially hired as Spider-Man. Lee's response to seeing Holland was undoubtedly unexpected, but hilarious. "Yes of course! I hear you're great!" Lee said. "Personally, I don't see it!" Immediately after, Gunn said they all "died laughing."

James Gunn introduces Tom Holland to Stan Lee from Instagram

Lee was unable to have a cameo in Far From Home, meaning his last MCU appearance was as a peace-loving driver in Avengers: Endgame. His loss is still felt keenly by those who worked with him and the fans who adore his work, especially because the MCU continues to thrive. Phase 4 begins later this year with The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Black Widow, and next year, the Spider-Verse will get some major attention thanks to Sony's efforts (Morbius and Venom: Let There Be Carnage) and the MCU's Spider-Man 3.

Holland is the third actor to play Peter Parker on the big screen, but many consider him to be the best. Beyond simply looking like he could easily pass as a teenager, Holland has found great success in capturing Peter's earnestness and wit. Fans are excited to see where the MCU will take him next, and it's safe to say that Lee came around to the idea of him playing Spider-Man, considering how he once happily praised Holland's performance. Still, though, it's hard to deny that Lee's first impression of him was pretty funny.

More: Stan Lee’s Last Cameo In Avengers: Endgame Is For Original Marvel Fans

Source: James Gunn/Instagram

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