Stan Lee, the legendary figure behind Marvel Comics, is the subject of a new documentary titled Stan Lee: The Final Chapter, which delves deepinto the troubling final years of the beloved creator. Directed by Jon Bolerjack, the film alleges mistreatment and exploitation endured by Lee during his later life, shining a light on how individuals within his inner circle sought to profit from his fame.
The documentary features hundreds of hours of footage captured by Bolerjack, who was Lee’s personal assistant and confidant. This extensive documentation includes scenes of Lee being taken from one comic book event to another, notwithstanding his declining health. One such scene reveals the 95-year-old Lee appearing noticeably distressed amid crowds during excessive signing events, visibly strained yet expected to keep signing memorabilia.
Bolerjack presents alarming claims indicating Lee's signature was utilized as a financial asset by those surrounding him, generating substantial profits from memorabilia sales, yet these funds reportedly never reached the Marvel icon or his family. “At the time, I didn’t have the power to stop it,” Bolerjack states. “But I did have a camera, and I filmed everything,” he adds, underscoring his belief the documentary will offer undeniable proof of the exploitation Lee suffered.
Revisiting past accusations of elder abuse, the film reflects on allegations made even before Lee’s passing on November 12, 2018. The Hollywood Reporter previously investigated such claims, naming figures like Max Anderson, Lee’s road manager, who is attributed with managing many of his convention appearances. Despite Anderson denying any wrongdoing, he was previously implicated due to various allegations of mistreatment.
The documentary also chronicles some of Lee’s legal struggles, noting the restraining order he filed against former business partner Keya Morgan for manipulation and abuse, claiming Morgan isolated him from family and friends.
After the death of his bride, Joan, in 2017, Lee became noticeably vulnerable to emotional and financial manipulation by others. His own daughter, J.C. Lee, came forth publicly to express frustrations with Marvel and Disney, accusing them of exploiting her father’s legacy. Reportedly, she had been reckless with his finances, which only exacerbated the situation.
With the intent to finish Stan Lee: The Final Chapter, Bolerjack has initiated a Kickstarter campaign aiming to raise $300,000. The funds will contribute to post-production costs, compensate some volunteer crew members, and cover legal expenses accrued during the filming process. Bolerjack emphasizes, “This is a heartbreaking story, but it’s one the world needs to see.”
Controversy surrounding Lee's treatment has lingered since before his death, but Bolerjack hopes his footage will shed new light on the governance of aging celebrities, particularly those as iconic as Lee. By presenting raw footage and personal accounts, the documentary seeks to invoke conversation around elder care and the safeguarding of legacy.
Stan Lee’s legacy has become intermingled with the issues of exploitation faced by artists, especially those entwined within industries driven by commerce and celebrity. The film stands as both a cautionary tale and tribute to Lee, whose creative endeavors forever changed the comic book industry and popular culture.
It’s noted, too, during interviews within the documentary, Bolerjack recalls instances where he endeavored to advocate for Lee, trying to secure more downtime and breaks from his intense schedule. Despite his efforts, the demands remained high. The resulting footage portrays Lee arguing with entourage members over appearances he wished to skip. His physical safety appears compromised at various points, emphasizing the negligence of those responsible for his care.
Those involved with the documentary assert the aim is not just to highlight Lee’s final years but to serve as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by not only cultural icons but seniors globally. Bolerjack’s undertaking reiterates the importance of observing how even the most revered figures can become subjected to exploitation amid their frailties.
Stan Lee’s death marked the end of not just his life but also, for many, the final chapter of a golden age of comic books. The documentary operates at the intersection of nostalgia and caution, urging not only his fans but all audiences to reflect on the ramifications of fame and legacy.
While Bolerjack’s film promises to furnish fresh revelations on Lee’s struggles, the question remains: will the documentary lead to renewed scrutiny on how aging celebrities are treated, and call for changes within the industry to protect the vulnerable?
With the documentary currently poised for its final stages of production, the world waits to see how the life of this cultural titan will be depicted, serving as both homage and warning.