A ‘Marvel Rising: Heart of Iron’ Easter Egg is an Homage to Stan Lee

In the Marvel Animation special, “Marvel Rising: Heart of Iron,” the team added new member Riri Williams as Ironheart. Turns out adding a new member isn’t easy, there was confusion, miscommunication, and some self-reflection that happened along the way, all of which lead to some of the squad ending up in the most unlikely of places—a vegan donut shop.

Turns out the shop was one of Quake’s favorites. Zucchini Pomegranate Crullers, Tofu Turnip Twists, Chia Kale Cakes, it all sounded positively...well, strange. However, those names were picked with purpose, noted Marvel Animation & Family Entertainment SVP, Cort Lane.

“I actually go to vegan restaurants, although I’m not vegan, and the ingredients are so bizarre, we had fun with that,” shared Lane.

“We thought kids love donuts, but we wanted to keep to healthy eating standards,” joked Lane. “So then it became a running thing of all the weird things that are in the donuts.” How else would a hero wallow in self-doubt other than by stuffing their face with a Tofu Turnip Twist?

The name of the shop was profound—Excelsior! Vegan Donuts—an homage to the one and only Stan “The Man” Lee. “That was our little homage to Stan,” said Lane. “Obviously Stan is gone, his last recorded animated role was for ‘Marvel’s Avengers: Black Panther’s Quest,” stated Lane, referencing Lee’s passing earlier last year.

Still, Lee’s powerful presence and creativity continues to be felt throughout the Marvel Universe in fun tributes like these.

Watch the "Marvel Rising: Heart of Iron" animated special on the Marvel HQ YouTube channel now!

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