Spider-Man-Vater Stan Lee: "Nur sechs Millionen von den Marvel-Verkäufen"

Stan Lee, the legendary creator of Spider-Man and other iconic Marvel superheroes, has revealed in a new documentary that he received only six million dollars from the sale of Marvel to Disney in 2009, a far cry from the four billion-dollar deal. The revelation comes from Stan Lee: The Final Chapter, a documentary directed, edited, and produced by Jon Bolerjack, who was once Lee’s driver and personal assistant. The film, released on streaming platforms in North America, offers a poignant look into the final years of the comic book legend, whose death in 2018 at age 95 left a void in the world of pop culture. The documentary, based on hundreds of hours of previously unseen footage shot over four years before Lee's passing, captures both the joy and sorrow of his life. It portrays Lee’s deep connection with his characters and fans, while also exposing the struggles he faced in his later years. Bolerjack, who became close to Lee during their time together, says he felt compelled to record the moments he witnessed, particularly the exploitation Lee endured at the hands of managers and associates who took advantage of his fame and frailty. In one of the film’s most striking moments, Lee reflects on the financial terms of his agreement with Disney. He recalls being offered a contract that would have given him ten percent of Marvel’s profits, which he initially thought was a great deal. However, his lawyer advised him to accept a lump sum payment instead, arguing that it would provide immediate financial security. Lee later realized this decision had cost him dearly, leaving him with just three million dollars rather than the ongoing royalties he might have otherwise received. “I never made more wrong decisions in business than I did,” Lee says in the film. His words underscore the regret and frustration he felt over the loss of long-term income. The documentary suggests that Lee was manipulated by those around him, including individuals who prioritized their own gains over his well-being. Bolerjack describes the emotional toll of witnessing Lee’s treatment. “People around him believed they were untouchable, and they squeezed him for profit,” he explains. Determined to expose these injustices, Bolerjack attempted to report the situation while Lee was still alive. The process of making the film took nearly a decade, driven by a sense of responsibility to honor Lee’s legacy and share the truth with his fans. The documentary’s soundtrack, composed entirely by Italian-American musician Dario Forzato, adds depth to the narrative. Forzato, who has lived in Hollywood for decades, crafted a score that shifts from celebratory tones reflecting Lee’s early success to darker, more investigative sounds as the film reveals the exploitation he suffered. “It’s almost impossible to believe such a beloved figure could endure so much abuse,” Forzato tells ANSA. “There’s a complexity to this story, it feels like a thriller at times, and a comedy at others.” Stan Lee: The Final Chapter premiered at the Dances With Films festival in Los Angeles, where it won the Industry Choice Award, and later at the San Diego Comic-Con. Now available on major streaming services in North America, the film serves as both a tribute and a cautionary tale about the challenges of maintaining control and dignity in the face of fame and aging.