A new documentary titled “Stan Lee: The Final Chapter” by filmmaker Jon Bolerjack will reveal the tragic story of elder abuse and financial exploitation the Marvel Comics legend suffered during his later life. Bolerjack was Lee’s personal assistant for the final four years of his life. He collected hundreds of hours of exclusive footage revealing how the industry legend was manipulated and financially exploited, most notably through his appearances at Comic-Con.
The film, currently crowdfunding via Kickstarter with the aim of raising funds, promises to shed the veil from the darker side of Lee’s life towards the end. Bolerjack stated that the documentary will expose how Lee’s poor health became a source of enrichment for the ones around him. He made a lot of money during the conventions, where he participated in autograph and photograph sessions, but the money rarely found its way into Lee’s pockets or his relatives.
One central figure in this story is Keya Morgan, who was Lee’s business manager and caretaker for a time. Morgan became embroiled in legal trouble over allegations of elder abuse, facing charges like theft and false imprisonment. Although those charges were eventually dropped after a jury couldn’t reach a verdict, the documentary promises to explore Morgan’s role and influence on Lee in depth.
The documentary doesn’t stop at accusations. It also features interviews with prominent comic book creators, including Rob Liefeld and Roy Thomas, who provide firsthand insights into Lee’s mistreatment. Their accounts help paint a fuller picture of a man adored by millions but betrayed by some of those closest to him in his twilight years.
Jon Bolerjack calls the film a “rollercoaster of drama and duplicity,” a promise that’s teased in the trailer, which you can watch on YouTube. The footage offers an emotional sneak peek at the revelations awaiting viewers. With the Kickstarter campaign gaining traction, the team expects to release the documentary before the end of 2025. Bolerjack has already poured significant resources into the project and is rallying support to complete it.
Beyond telling Stan Lee’s story, “Stan Lee: The Final Chapter” seeks to shine a spotlight on elder abuse, an issue that extends far beyond the Marvel comic book world. The filmmakers hope to honor Lee’s incredible legacy while sparking conversations that could help protect others from similar exploitation in the future.