Stan Lee Sues Marvel Over 'Spider-Man' Profits
Lee Also Created 'Hulk,' 'Daredevil,' 'X-Men'
POSTED: 11:29 a.m. EST November 13, 2002
"Spider-Man" co-creator Stan Lee has been bitten by the legal bug.
Lee is suing his old comic book company Marvel for allegedly cheating him out of millions of dollars of profits gained from his characters' movie and television appearances.
In addition to "Spider-Man," Lee is responsible for such comic book characters as "The Incredible Hulk," "Daredevil" and "X-Men."
In a suit filed in New York, Lee alleges that Marvel signed a deal to give him 10 percent of any profits from his characters that are used in movies and television shows. Lee specifically pointed to "Spider-Man" in the suit, calling it a "jackpot."
Starring Tobey Maguire in the title role, the film grossed more than $400 million at the North American box office over the summer.
But, Lee claims, he hasn't seen a penny. Marvel, subsequently, has reported millions of dollars in earnings from "Spider-Man," but has told Lee the company has seen no "profits" as defined by their contract.
In response to the suit, Marvel's issued a statement that said Lee "continues to be well-compensated" for his contributions to the industry. It says the company's "in full compliance with, and current on all payments due under, terms of Mr. Lee's employment agreement."
Lee had a brief cameo appearance in the "Spider-Man" movie, and is featured extensively on the bonus features of the film's DVD release.
Coincidentally, film versions of "The Incredible Hulk" and "Daredevil" are in the works, as well as a sequel to the hit movie "X-Men."
Starring Eric Bana in the title role, director Ang Lee's version titled "The Hulk" is due in theaters next summer. "Daredevil," starring Ben Affleck and directed by "Grumpy Old Men" filmmaker Mark Steven Johnson, is set for a February release. The Bryan Singer-helmed sequel "X-2" will be in theaters in May.
Lee co-created the "Spider-Man" character in the 1962 with Steve Ditko. Director Sam Raimi will again film Maguire and Kirsten Dunst in a "Spider-Man" sequel, set for a May 2004 release.
Lee is suing his old comic book company Marvel for allegedly cheating him out of millions of dollars of profits gained from his characters' movie and television appearances.
In addition to "Spider-Man," Lee is responsible for such comic book characters as "The Incredible Hulk," "Daredevil" and "X-Men."
In a suit filed in New York, Lee alleges that Marvel signed a deal to give him 10 percent of any profits from his characters that are used in movies and television shows. Lee specifically pointed to "Spider-Man" in the suit, calling it a "jackpot."
Starring Tobey Maguire in the title role, the film grossed more than $400 million at the North American box office over the summer.
But, Lee claims, he hasn't seen a penny. Marvel, subsequently, has reported millions of dollars in earnings from "Spider-Man," but has told Lee the company has seen no "profits" as defined by their contract.
In response to the suit, Marvel's issued a statement that said Lee "continues to be well-compensated" for his contributions to the industry. It says the company's "in full compliance with, and current on all payments due under, terms of Mr. Lee's employment agreement."
Lee had a brief cameo appearance in the "Spider-Man" movie, and is featured extensively on the bonus features of the film's DVD release.
Coincidentally, film versions of "The Incredible Hulk" and "Daredevil" are in the works, as well as a sequel to the hit movie "X-Men."
Starring Eric Bana in the title role, director Ang Lee's version titled "The Hulk" is due in theaters next summer. "Daredevil," starring Ben Affleck and directed by "Grumpy Old Men" filmmaker Mark Steven Johnson, is set for a February release. The Bryan Singer-helmed sequel "X-2" will be in theaters in May.
Lee co-created the "Spider-Man" character in the 1962 with Steve Ditko. Director Sam Raimi will again film Maguire and Kirsten Dunst in a "Spider-Man" sequel, set for a May 2004 release.Copyright 2003 by Lifewhile.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
