Renowned comic book creator Stan Lee, who co-founded Marvel Comics and is celebrated for his legendary characters, died at the age of 95 in 2018, leaving behind both admiration and controversy. Now, filmmaker Jon Bolerjack, Lee's former assistant, aims to complete his documentary titled Stan Lee: The Final Chapter, which delves deep not just in Lee's enduring legacy, but also the troubling events of his final years.
Launched recently on Kickstarter, Bolerjack's campaign seeks to raise $300,000 to finish the project, which aims to expose disturbing allegations of elder abuse and exploitation surrounding Lee as he aged. According to Bolerjack, Lee found himself entangled amid various scandals featuring greed and manipulation reminiscent of superhero narratives. Bolerjack described the documentary as "a rollercoaster of drama and duplicity." With the campaign currently nearing $13,000, Bolerjack emphasizes the need for public support to share this significant story before the end of 2025.
Through newfound access to hours of exclusive footage captured over the last four years of Lee's life, Bolerjack documented not only Lee's vibrant presence at comic conventions but also the more somber reality he faced. The recently released trailer paints a poignant image of Lee being wheeled from event to event, where he was expected to sign numerous memorabilia. This picture raises questions about his consent and willingness to participate in these activities as he appeared increasingly worn down.
Bolerjack has been vocal about his desire for justice, saying, "This isn’t speculation, it’s all on camera, undeniable, irrefutable, no ambiguity." His intention is clear: to shed light on the darker aspects of the entertainment world, particularly how aging icons like Lee can become vulnerable targets for opportunistic figures.
Allegations of mistreatment have plagued Lee’s latter years, including claims of emotional manipulation from those closest to him. Reports indicate tensions with his daughter, J.C. Lee, who was accused of exploiting her father financially and emotionally, reportedly leading to strained relations. After the death of Lee's wife, Joan, he also found himself embroiled with his former business partner, Keya Morgan, who faced serious legal repercussions for elder abuse.
The upcoming documentary promises to showcase various perspectives from figures within the comic industry, including notable artists and writers who shared their experiences with Lee. "I knew Stan had not been treated the best in his last years, but I had no idea how badly he’d been exploited," said acclaimed writer Mark Waid, highlighting the broader consequences of the scandal surrounding Lee’s legacy.
Tyler Kirkham, another prominent comic book artist, voiced similar sentiments, stating, "Seeing Stan get taken advantage of was really hard to watch. I think it’s really important people see this... especially if you are part of this pop culture community, you know who Stan Lee is.” The anticipation surrounding this documentary is palpable, as it aspires to not only reflect on Lee's life and contributions but also engage viewers on the important subject of elder abuse.
With Bolerjack himself declaring, "He entrusted me to capture the final years of his life on video and encouraged me to share this footage with the world after he was gone," viewers are encouraged to embrace this raw and emotional account of one of the most beloved figures in comic history.
The Kickstarter campaign, which only recently started, offers fans of Lee and supporters of the arts the opportunity to contribute to the realization of this important film. Bolerjack’s enthusiasm to share Lee's final days, captured on camera, serves as both tribute and as cautionary tale against exploitation within the industry.
Alternately heartwarming and heartbreaking, Stan Lee: The Final Chapter stands to be more than just another documentary about the Marvel icon. It revisits the complex narrative of celebrity, aging, and the inherent vulnerabilities faced by those once at the top of their craft. Bolerjack aims to showcase Lee's story authentically, ensuring the skinny truths and harsh realities don’t go unspoken.
To learn more about the film and to support the Kickstarter campaign, visit their page directly and contribute toward bringing this significant story to the screen.