Proto Hologram Brings Stan Lee Back to Life at L.A. Comic Con

Last month, at the 2025 L.A. Comic Con, many Marvel fans were surprised and delighted to see Stan Lee appear as an interactive AI hologram. The lifelike experience, created in partnership with Kartoon, Hyperreal, and the Stan Lee Universe, allowed fans to ask the late comic book legend questions in real-time, with his responses tailored to his well-known persona.

The viral success of the Stan Lee hologram has propelled Proto Hologram, the company behind the technology, into the spotlight. Founded in 2018 by CEO David Nussbaum, Proto aims to revolutionize live experiences by connecting people worldwide through holographic communication.

Nussbaum, a former broadcaster, has ambitious plans to integrate Proto's technology into the film industry. He envisions movie theater lobbies filled with holographic characters that fans can engage with, extending the movie experience beyond the screen. Proto has already collaborated on activations for films like "A Minecraft Movie" and "The Conjuring," providing immersive, data-driven advertising that Nussbaum believes will draw audiences back to theaters.

As the entertainment industry continues to adapt to the post-pandemic landscape, Proto's holographic solutions may play a crucial role in reviving the magic of in-person experiences and reigniting moviegoers' enthusiasm.