Stan Lee’s Final Years Captured on Film
In the twilight of Stan Lee’s life, filmmaker Jon Bolerjack became an integral part of the Marvel icon’s universe, accompanying him to various comic book conventions and movie premieres. Bolerjack chronicled these experiences with his camera, capturing both heartwarming moments and candid exchanges in Lee’s Hollywood Hills residence. However, he also documented troubling behaviors within Lee’s inner circle, shedding light on a darker aspect of the legendary creator’s final years.
Announcement of Upcoming Documentary
After years of work, Bolerjack has revealed his documentary titled Stan Lee: The Final Years, a project that had been kept under wraps until now. Alongside the release of a gripping trailer, he has launched a Kickstarter campaign to secure funds necessary for the film’s completion, into which he has already invested hundreds of thousands of dollars.
A Tumultuous Period
The final years of Lee’s life have been well-documented, especially the unsettling accounts of elder abuse that surfaced in a 2018 investigation by The Hollywood Reporter. Allegations pointed to a toxic power struggle surrounding control over his care and estate. Bolerjack’s perspective suggests that the situation was even more dire than reported, claiming that Lee faced financial disarray at the time of his death in November 2018 at age 95.
Insights from the Trailer
The documentary trailer reveals a poignant narrative of an aged icon, exhausted from constant appearances at comic book signings. While it does not specify everyone featured in the footage, it notably includes Max Anderson, Lee’s former road manager who was linked to the earlier investigations and has denied any allegations of misconduct associated with his role in Lee’s life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE7RyRCeGsk
A Unique Relationship
Bolerjack, a lifelong comic book enthusiast and film school graduate, met Lee a decade prior through a mutual acquaintance while pitching a reality show concept. This connection evolved into a close professional and personal relationship as Bolerjack became a part of Lee’s entourage.
Advocating for Stan Lee
As he witnessed the strain of Lee’s demanding schedule—frequent travels and extensive autograph sessions—Bolerjack recognized the toll it was taking on the Marvel legend’s wellbeing. He endeavored to mitigate Lee’s burdens and, despite breaching the “cardinal rule” of documentary filmmaking by becoming emotionally involved with his subject, felt compelled to support him.
“I grew to look at him as a friend, as family, and I really wanted to be there to advocate for him,” Bolerjack said, noting his efforts to advocate for breaks in the schedule. “I was doing the best I could.”
Permission and Perspective
Though Lee was known for his eternally optimistic public image, which could lead one to assume he might shy away from revealing the low points of his life, Bolerjack asserts that Lee was supportive of sharing his story. Bolerjack recalls conversations with Lee about the project, even towards the end of his life, and noted that Lee seemed prepared to turn his experiences into a cautionary tale.
“I spoke to him about this at length, even towards the very end of his life,” Bolerjack commented. “I think he wanted it out there to be that sort of warning.”
For more insights and updates on Bolerjack’s documentary, visit the Hollywood Reporter.