A grieving father in the UK who wanted to put a picture of Spider-Man on his son's gravestone had his wish blocked by Disney, who own the rights to the superhero.
Four-year-old Ollie Jones died of a rare genetic disorder called leukodystrophy earlier this year.
Before he died his family had made the trip from Maidstone, Kent to Disneyland so Ollie could meet his favourite superhero, Metro UK reported.
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Ollie's funeral had a Spider-Man theme and the family's final tribute to their son was to be a picture of spidey on his gravestone.
Father Lloyd was told he needed to get permission from the Council, who told him he needed permission from the Walt Disney Company, who owns Marvel.
Lloyd's brother Jason contacted Disney and the family were shocked by the reply in July this year.
A company representative wrote back saying it wouldn't be giving permission because "we follow a policy that began with Walt Disney himself that does not permit the use of characters on headstones, cemetery or other memorial markers or funeral urns," Metro UK reported.
The rep said Disney extended their condolences and were honoured to have played a small part in Ollie's happiness.
"We have striven to preserve the same innocence and magic around our characters that brought Ollie such joy," Metro UK reported.
Lloyd posted on Facebook the reply was a "massive blow" .
"Well that’s lovely Disney have out right REFUSED to allow OLLIE his spider man grave - they was ok when he was buyin there toys and when he was visiting there land spending his short life there, his last birthday there and his limited money there - but they don’t want to be associated with death—- so kids only matter to Disney when there alive and spending money with them !!!!!!!!!!! [sic]"
A Maidstone Council spokesperson told Metro UK council would do everything it could to help the family.
Ollie's story has received a lot of attention online, with a petition set up to get Disney to change its mind.
Newshub.
