Legendary comic book creator Stan Lee is suing the producers of
Conan the Barbarian for 100% of the 2011's profits, amid claims that the rights to the character were stolen from his company over a decade ago. According to a report over at the
New York Post, the company he founded in 1998 ("Stan Lee Media") obtained the rights to the character in 2000.
The lawsuit was filed in LA on August 19th, and states that the company's bankruptcy should have stopped anyone else from purchasing the rights, especially as it's claimed that a former lawyer for Lee's company made an illegal deal for the rights to be transferred to Nu Image/Millennium Films, who produced the recent 3D flop. The transfer of
Conan is rendered void because back in 2002, "the shares of Conan Properties and all other assets of SLMI were part of a bankruptcy estate and protected from unauthorized transfer by the automatic bankruptcy stay."
Basically, the lawsuit demands restoration of rights over the franchise and full movie profits. What this would then mean for the future of the character is uncertain. However, after the disappointing financial debut of the movie at the US box office, it's unlikely we'll see Conan again all that soon either way!
NOTE: As has been pointed out below, Stan Lee is no longer associated with "Stan Lee Media," but due to conflicting reports, it is currently unclear whether or not he is actually involved with this case.
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