Original Director Julie Taymor Files Lawsuit Against Spider-Man Producers

Original Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark director Julie Taymor is suing the Broadway production for violating her rights by continuing to use her work without compensation, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Taymor departed the musical in March and was replaced by creative consultant Philip William McKinley, who helped revamp the show before it opened on June 14 after seven months of previews.

"Ms. Taymor regrets that the producers’ actions have left her no choice but to resort to legal recourse to protect her rights," Taymor's attorney, Charles Spada at Lankler Siffert & Wohl, told the newspaper. When Taymor was first let go from the production, she filed an arbitration claim against its producers saying she was owed more than $500,000 in royalties. An arbitration hearing was held earlier this month, but the outcome was not made public.

In response, Spider-Man producers Michael Cohl and Jeremiah J. Harris released the following statement: "Since Ms. Taymor's departure in March, we have repeatedly tried to resolve these issues. The production has indeed compensated Ms. Taymor for her contribution as a co-book writer. Fortunately the court system will provide, once and for all, an opportunity to resolve this dispute. We look forward to a resolution in which everyone is properly compensated for their contribution to Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark."

The Tony Awards administration committee recently ruled that Taymor is eligible for a Best Director nomination at the 2012 ceremony.

Featuring a score by Bono and the Edge and book by Glen Berger and Roberto-Aguirre Sacasa, Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark currently stars Reeve Carney, Patrick Page, Rebecca Faulkenberry and T.V. Carpio.