Jon Bolerjack's documentary "Stan Lee: The Final Years" is set to stream starting Tuesday, but not without significant hurdles. The filmmaker faced opposition from various industry figures while documenting the life of the iconic comic book creator.
A Candid Look at a Comic Legend
There are companies that did things that feel guilty. But then the other side of that is — if you want Stan's face on a lunchbox, do you want people to think happy thoughts about Stan, or do you want them to know that it wasn't so happy?
Jon Bolerjack, Filmmaker
Bolerjack began filming with Lee in 2014, capturing both the star's enduring popularity and troubling allegations of exploitation from former managers. One manager faced legal charges in 2019, a year after Lee's passing at 95.
The documentary portrays Lee as both an amiable artist and a poor negotiator. In one scene, Lee candidly admits, "Nobody has made more bad business decisions than I have," reflecting on a $6 million deal with Disney that he regretted.
- Lee's characters resonated with fans due to their relatable flaws.
- Bolerjack emphasizes that the documentary highlights issues that can affect anyone in the industry.
Despite the challenges, Bolerjack stresses that the film is not merely about Lee being taken advantage of. Instead, it serves as a cautionary tale about the risks faced by artists and creators.
Bolerjack noted that Lee's legacy is complex. Even in his final days, he maintained positive relationships, including with Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige, who visited him.
The documentary aims to shed light on a situation that could happen to anyone, urging creators to be vigilant in protecting their interests.