Why Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 Is Stan Lee's Most Important MCU Cameo

05/06/2017 11:26 am EDT

Stan Lee continued his cameo streak in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, but this time the stakes have been raised considerably compared to his past appearances.

Spoilers incoming for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, so you've been warned.

In one of the after credit scenes, Stan Lee appears among several beings waxing rhapsodic about his various stories and adventures. Ordinarily, this would be the part where people cheer and clap for Lee, but the bigger story is the people he is seen talking to. Those beings are known as The Watchers, and they are in charge of observing the happenings of the Marvel Universe, chronicling but not meddling in universe affairs. Some had theorized that Lee's role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe was of a Watcher, and while that turns out not to be true, his cameo could be a big peek into things to come.

The Watcher's have not meddled in human affairs often, but when they do it signifies the approaching of universe altering events. This makes sense with the coming Infinity Gauntlet storylines that will make up the next few movies thanks to Thanos. Most know one particular Watcher, Uatu, more than any other, as he helped the Fantastic Four at one point, resulting in his banishment. It wouldn't be the last time he would aid earth's heroes, and this could be a sign that the Watchers will play a bigger role in future films.

Set to the backdrop of 'Awesome Mixtape #2,' Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team's adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill's true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes' aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is written and directed by James Gunn (Slither). The film marks the return of the original Guardians, including Chris Pratt (Jurassic World) as Peter Quill/Star-Lord; Zoe Saldana (Star Trek Into Darkness) as Gamora; Dave Bautista (Spectre) as Drax; Vin Diesel (Furious 7) as the voice of Groot; Bradley Cooper (American Sniper) as the voice of Rocket; Michael Rooker (Jumper) as Yondu; Karen Gillan (The Big Short) as Nebula; and Sean Gunn (Gilmore Girls) as Kraglin. New cast members include Pom Klementieff (Oldboy), Elizabeth Debicki (The Great Gatsby, Everest), Chris Sullivan (The Knick, The Drop) and Kurt Russell (The Hateful Eight, The Thing).

Next up for Marvel is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 on May 5, 2017. Spider-Man: Homecoming lands on July 7, 2017, followed by Thor: Ragnarok on November 3, 2017. After that Black Panther debuts on February 16, 2018, while Avengers: Infinity War hits theaters on May 4, 2018. Ant-Man and the Wasp is slated for July 6, 2018, followed by Captain Marvel on March 8, 2019.

MORE GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2: Is A Guardian Getting Replaced In Vol. 3? / Alternate Designs For Mantis / Vol. 2's Doctor Strange Connection / Why Did Nebula Need Anulax Batteries?

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