Meet Jon Bolerjack, director of 'Stan Lee: The Final Chapter'
What's the story
The trailer for the documentary Stan Lee: The Final Chapter, directed by Jon Bolerjack, was recently released.
The film explores Marvel icon Stan Lee's final years before he passed away in 2018 at the age of 95.
The documentary promises an unflinching look at Lee's life during this time, including alleged mistreatment, betrayal, and financial ruin.
Who is Bolerjack?
Let's learn more about him.
Professional transition
Bolerjack's journey from assistant to filmmaker
Bolerjack, Lee's assistant and confidant in his last years, spent years compiling hundreds of hours of footage for the film.
A creative director at a Los Angeles-based film marketing firm, he was also a former comic book artist.
He first met Lee through a mutual friend about a decade ago while pitching a reality show idea.
Over time, he became part of Lee's entourage, witnessing firsthand the toll Lee's exhausting schedule had on him.
Statement
'I traveled the world with him...'
In the trailer, Bolerjack introduces himself as Lee's assistant, confidant, and friend in the last four years of his life.
He says, "I traveled the world with him, witnessing firsthand the incredible highs of his legendary career, but also the heartbreaking lows."
Bolerjack's footage shows Lee in his Hollywood Hills home, attending comic book conventions, and tirelessly signing autographs for fans, despite being clearly exhausted.
Bolerjack has said that he wants "justice" for Lee.
Documentary insights
'I think he wanted it out there...'
Bolerjack also revealed how he spent years turning hundreds of hours of footage into the documentary.
He said, "I spoke to him about this at length, even toward the very end of his life."
"A lot of things have happened to him, but I didn't get the real sense that he felt shame about it. I think he wanted it out there to be that sort of warning."
The documentary is a tribute to Lee and a cautionary tale about fame.