How far would you go to make your dreams come true?

Based on Michael Uslan’s memoir The Boy Who Loved Batman, Legion M (Associate Producer) is uniting fans to come along for the ride as we work with Nederlander Worldwide Productions on this new one-man stage play based on Michael’s struggles as a blue-collar, nerdy, comic book-loving kid who would someday grow up to acquire the rights to Batman and become one of the most important behind-the-scenes figures in comic book movie history. His wildly inspiring story will delight, entertain, and leave you feeling like you can accomplish ANYTHING.

The team behind the play is led by the world-famous Broadway organization Nederlander Worldwide Productions (part of a family organization that has presented some of Broadway’s most successful shows including Hamilton, Wicked and The Lion King), and they are inviting YOU to participate in behind-the-scenes, exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities as we follow the journey from concept to stage.  As a “founding fan”, all backers participating in this promotional campaign will receive a photomosaic wallpaper that includes YOUR image commemorating a desire to follow your own dreams and inspire others, along with a special thanks on the play’s website! From there, the perks get even more amazing and other options available include:

• As a "Founding Fan", all campaign participants will be invited to virtual round table process meetings with the play’s lead Broadway and Hollywood producers.
• Copies of the trade paperback The Boy Who Loved Batman, from which the play is adapted.
• Unique signed memorabilia.
• Live, in-person readings in either New York or L.A. which are typically reserved as industry-only.
• Feedback about your own ideas from real Hollywood executives. 
• Lunch with the Executive Producer of every Batman movie in the past 30 years, Michael Uslan himself! 

EXTRA, EXTRA! The Los Angeles Reading has been confirmed for July 19th at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Check out the tickets and the perks that come with them in the Sidekick Package for the LA Reading. 

Update: Exciting news for the LA Reading! Deborah Ann Woll will be joining the cast for this unique event in the Stage Directions role. We are thrilled to have her aboard!

The boy is Michael Uslan, who grew up in New Jersey at a time when comics were for little kids and parents thought reading them would rot your brain. But Michael absolutely loved comic books… they were his refuge from bullies and irate baseball coaches. In fact, he loved them so much, he had thousands stacked in his dad’s garage, and he knew all the stories by heart.

Michael’s passion for comics led to a unique dream… not dreaming of BEING a superhero like many boys his age, but of something a little more unusual… he dreamed of SAVING his superhero. 

Devastated by how his “dark knight” was portrayed as a campy joke in the 1960’s television series, Michael made a solemn vow to find a way to show the world the “true” Batman – the dark and serious avenger portrayed in the early comic books. This vow became Michael’s life’s work – and despite all obstacles – including being a nobody with no connections to Hollywood or to the comic book industry – Michael believed in his heart of hearts that he would be the guy to bring the world’s first “serious” superhero movie to the silver screen – and when he did it, the movie would be starring his favorite caped crusader.

DUH, THAT SOUNDS OBVIOUS

Well, back in the 1970s and 1980s, this idea was not obvious at all. In fact, no one had ever done a serious comic book feature film before. 

The thing you have to understand is that back then, comics were not the super-cool billion dollar franchises that they are today. The Batman TV series was pure camp, and even the Superman movies lacked the dark nuances of the more complicated – and perhaps more compelling – superheroes of today. In fact, no one had ever done a “serious” comic book movie before. So when Michael finally obtained the rights to Batman, Hollywood executives simply didn’t believe there was an audience for his vision.  Every single studio turned him down.

PERSISTANCE PAYS OFF

After ten years of tenacious persistence, never taking “no” for an answer, and following his passion against all odds (including better financial judgment), Michael finally achieved his dream by executive producing the 1989 film Batman starring Michael Keaton as “Batman” and Jack Nicholson as “The Joker,” which was directed by young auteur Tim Burton. 

The wild success of that film proved what Michael knew all along – that the world needs superheroes – real superheroes with inner emotional lives and complicated backstories – superheroes who are more like real people – superheroes who fans can connect to. Despite all the obstacles Michael experienced in pursuing his dream, he helped create one of the most iconic and successful pop culture franchises of all time.

This is the story of that boy. The boy who never gave up. The boy who saved his superhero. The boy who loved Batman.

Our society has been through a rough time, and now, more than ever, the world needs inspiration and hope through positive, uplifting stories. Michael’s memoir The Boy Who Loved Batman is the inspirational story that we need, that encourages people from all walks of life and of all ages to dream – and to dream big. This is the story about following your passion no matter the roadblocks, and to keep the faith while facing impossible odds. 

The Boy Who Loved Batman is a story about changing the world for the better – one comic book nerd at a time.

Hearing Michael Uslan tell his story in person – with all the trials and tribulations he experienced over decades of struggling to make his dreams come true – is a rare privilege.

He takes the listener on an emotional journey reminding us all what it means to dream, to struggle, to achieve. We want to give an audience the opportunity to feel the same energy and experience the excitement of his journey from comic book nerd to Executive Producer of one of the most successful film franchises of all time. Indeed, the Batman movies blazed the way for the entire phalanx of comic book-based films. Telling his story in a theatrical setting via a one-man stage play based on Michael Uslan's memoir is an amazing opportunity to bring some inspiration and uplift to the world. After all, theatre as an art-form allows young dreamers to follow their hearts. Don’t we owe it to them to bring them a story celebrating all the sacrifices they make to follow their dreams?

BUT… PANDEMIC?

While the COVID-19 pandemic crippled live theatre in 2020, Broadway announced it's reopening in September 2021, bringing performers and audiences back to Broadway for the first time in eighteen months. This will be an exciting revival of an entire industry, and our play about a dreamer who wouldn't say no mirrors what has happened to Broadway as an industry and to its artists. Being a part of this revival would not only be exciting, but would offer The Boy Who Loved Batman a unique launch pad as it takes off in this new form. 

The Boy Who Loved Batman is also uniquely positioned as a COVID-19 friendly show. First, it’s a one-man stage play, which minimizes the need for a packed house to sustain its budget. Second, one-man plays, by definition, have minimal crew and only one actor, so any current social distancing rules can be followed for the protection of all talent and behind-the-scenes crew. This also means that the show can be written, rehearsed, directed and previewed safely, with minimized fear of pandemic-related repercussions. 

Backing this project means joining Legion M behind the scenes as an amazing team of seasoned Broadway professionals develops the book into a live stage play, including:

Bob Nederlander and Nederlander Worldwide Productions, LLC

Robert Nederlander, Jr. is the president and CEO of Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment, part of the Nederlander family of companies which has been in the live entertainment business for over 109 years. Founded in 2000, NWE is focused on the expansion of the Broadway and Nederlander entertainment brands into new and emerging markets globally. Today, NWE develops, manages and operates theatres worldwide, produces Broadway and related shows in domestic and international markets, and undertakes cultural and educational initiatives. 

Michael Uslan, writer/performer

Michael Uslan is the originator and executive producer of The BATMAN movie franchise, from 1989’s BATMAN to 2019’s JOKER, and the upcoming THE BATMAN (2021). Michael has producing credits on 80 films. Michael acquired the rights to the world-famous computer game, WHERE IN THE WORLD IS CARMEN SANDIEGO?, which won him an Emmy Award for "Best Animated Series." He is currently overseeing The Stan Lee Universe and legacy of characters created by Stan post-Marvel for Genius Brands.

Michael published his memoir The Boy Who Loved Batman in 2011, and the sequel Batman's Batman in 2022, with more than 60 publications to follow. He co-host on-air for Turner Classic Movies: “Super-Heroes in the Movies.” Michael pioneered and instructed the first accredited college course and correspondence course on comic books at Indiana University in 1971, and he co-created and instructed the Smithsonian Institution’s first on-line course on The Rise of Superheroes and Their Impact on Pop Culture alongside Stan Lee and his son David Uslan.

Don Frantz, Executive Producer for Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment

Don Frantz  (Executive Producer for Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment) served as the original Associate Producer of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Lion King.” General Manager for Broadway’s “A Class Act”, “Soul of Shaolin,” “A Tale of Two Cities” and Off-Broadway’s “Summer of 42.”   Producer of Off-Broadway’s  “Disenchanted!”.  Past work includes Producer/Creative Director for Walt Disney World, Busch Gardens and Seaworld.  Creator of the Amazing Maize Maze. Production positions on 3 Superbowls, 1984 World Expo and Liberty Weekend and multiple productions in China including Executive Producer of NWE’s current production of “Sound of the Silk Road” opening July 2021.  

Geoff Cohen, General Manager-Logistics for Nederlander Worldwide

Geoff Cohen (General Manager-Logistics) has enjoyed working with Nederlander Worldwide for these past two years. Prior to that favorite work included: Vice President and Producer for Madison Square Garden; General Manager for Paper Mill Playhouse; Co-Creator and Founding Executive Director of the New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF); Executive Director, Shen Wei Dance Arts; and Company Manager for the world premiere of Fugard’s MASTER HAROLD and the Boys. 

Legion M Entertainment, Inc., Associate Producer

Co-founded by two Emmy award-winning streaming media pioneers, Legion M is the world’s first fan-owned studio. Revolutionizing the way entertainment is made with a growing community of over 130,000+ members and investors, the company uses disruptive new equity crowdfunding laws to allow people to invest directly in THEIR company, which then partners with top Hollywood talent to develop, finance and produce a diverse slate of feature films, TV, digital content, consumer products, live events, comic books and podcasts - all backed by a passionate built-in audience of fans. Past projects include the Sundance documentary Memory: The Origins of Alien, Kevin Smith’s feature film Jay and Silent Bob Reboot, the critically acclaimed Colossal, starring Anne Hathaway and Jason Sudeikis, and directed by Nacho Vigalondo, the cult hit Mandy starring Nicolas Cage and directed by Panos Cosmatos, Bad Samaritan starring David Tennant and directed and produced by Dean Devlin, and Archenemy starring Joe Manganiello.

Legion M is an Associate Producer and sponsor on The Boy Who Loved Batman stage play, and we are thrilled to open the gates to Broadway to give YOU the opportunity to come along for the ride!

All For One Theater

All For One Theater is dedicated to producing and developing extraordinary solo theater. Since 2011, AFO has presented acclaimed solo works Off and Off-Off Broadway, including two New York Times Critic’s Picks: The Brobot Johnson Experience by Darian Dauchan and Open by Crystal Skillman; as well as the Drama League Award-nominated digital series AFO Solo Shorts. AFO also nurtures solo artists through the Solo Collective developmental series, in addition to one Artist In Residence for up to 18 months of development.

We LOVE IndieGoGo because we love supporting artists and makers who may not get a fair shake from more “traditional” industries. We believe in following your dreams, and we emphatically support those who put everything on the line to achieve the impossible.

Michael Uslan’s entire life has been dedicated to the idea of following your dream. His favorite comic book was "Batman", his favorite character was Batman, and his career has been built on Batman. We felt there was no better way to bring his story to the public than by giving people who believe in dreams the opportunity to come along for the ride as the play is developed through the readings and preview process, and hopefully on to Broadway in 2022!

You’ll notice that some of our perks showcase a diverse and inclusive cadre of talented artists. We are honored to introduce their work to you, and hope you take the time to get to know each one. They were inspired by Michael Uslan’s story of struggle and achievement, and we hope you are too!

Aziza Andre' (Illustrator, Muralist, Sequential Artist)

Aziza Andre' is an Illustrator from Manhattan, New York who is currently based in Atlanta, Georgia. She graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2018 with a Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree in Illustration Art. She's known for her portrait work inspired from sequential art and traditional realism. She currently instructs art within the community of Atlanta.

Scott Zenteno (Twitter, Instagram)

Scott is an environment artist based in Pasadena, CA working at Lucasfilm Animation on Star Wars. As an artist, their goal is "to create worlds that inspire joy", the same way that so many stories did for them as a child (and, of course, still as an adult!). 

Chauncey Pierce (Website) 

Chauncey Pierce has been a freelance storyboard artist for over 20 years having worked on feature films, commercials, video games, and music videos. Originally from Chicago, IL he has a lifelong passion for film and art thanks to the influence and support of his parents who believed in the arts.

Jeffrey Veregge

Jeffrey Veregge is an award-winning artist and writer from the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe. Best known for his comic book work with nearly 150 covers for Marvel, Valiant, Boom, Darkhorse and IDW. As a graphic designer and artist he has worked with companies such as Nike and Viacom. He 2017 he 15 month solo exhibition at the Smithsonian titled "Of Gods and Heroes: The art of Jeffrey Vereggel. Veregge is also a muralist having created giant murals for Citizen M, the Burke Museum, Snoqualmie Casino and currently for the NHL at Climate Pledge Arena, future home of the Seattle Kraken. 

Backing this unique project will entitle you to epic perk opportunities such as invitations to two virtual round table development meetings, exclusive art prints, and even the opportunity to attend early-stage development readings in New York or Los Angeles. You can even gain access to tickets for the show and book private meetings with Michael Uslan himself! This is YOUR opportunity to see how a Broadway stage play goes from the kernel of an idea to the “Great White Way.”

Just like Batman was the hero who saved Gotham, and Michael Uslan was the hero who saved Batman, YOU can be the hero who becomes a part of bringing this story to the stage to inspire more dreamers to never give up.

Access to opening night tickets & after party!

If the play opens, all campaign participants will have the opportunity to buy tickets and get access to the opening night party, subject to availability on a FIRST-COME, FIRST SERVE basis.

Founding Fan Status

When you participate in this campaign -- even at the $10 level -- you are securing your place at the table for two online, interactive process meetings as Michael Uslan and Bob Nederlander work to bring the adaptation to the stage. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to brag to all your friends about how you had the inside scoop on a pre-Broadway play! In general, these meetings will be structured no longer than one hour each. We will schedule them ahead of time so you don't have to last-minute cancel your dinner date, put off working out, or tell your teacher that your dog ate your homework. That's how we roll. 

Inclusion in Mosaic Wallpaper

When the campaign ends, everyone who participates will have the opportunity to upload their photo to be included in a photo mosaic wallpaper for the "Untitled Pre-Broadway Play Based On The Memior The Boy Who Loved Batman"! The wallpaper will be portrait orientation, and it will fit most phone sizes. 

Mosaic is a sample; not final image.

Inclusion on the Thank You page of the website as a Silver Backer

When you participate in the Vigilante Package, the Joker Package, The Utility Belt Package, & the Dark Knight Package, your name will be included on the Thank You page of the play’s eventual website as a Silver Backer! 

Inclusion on the Thank You page of the website as a Gold Backer

When you participate in the Bat Cave Package, the Daydreamer Package, or the Hero Package, your name will be included on the Thank You page of the play’s eventual website as a Gold Backer! 

Inclusion on the Thank You page of the website as a Platinum Backer

When you participate in the Sidekick Package, the Killing Joke Package, the POW! Package, the Detective Package, or the Ultimate Hero Package, your name will be included on the Thank You page of the play’s eventual website as a Platinum Backer and be given the highest exposure and priority! 

Personal Video (Michael Uslan)

Michael Uslan is not only a dreamer, but a doer and an icon! With the Hero Package, you will receive a personalized shoutout video from Michael Uslan addressed to you or someone you care about. Only 15 opportunities for backers!

Invite to LA or NYC for early reading of play

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! With the "Sidekick" Package, you will receive 2 tickets to a pre-opening reading of the play. These intimate readings are traditionally reserved for industry professionals and play investors only, and are used to tweak the content of the play as part of its early development process. By participating in this campaign, you will have the opportunity to get the "inside scoop" with a behind-the-scenes look! These readings are only taking place in New York & Los Angeles, travel expenses and lodging are not included. The New York reading is scheduled for two dates - June 29th & June 30th (subject to change). When you purchase NY reading tickets, you may be placed on either date. The LA reading is confirmed for Monday, July 19th 6:30pm-8:30pm PT at the historic Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. All backers will be required to sign an NDA prior to entrance and NO recording of any kind will be allowed. Proof of a COVID-19 vaccine will be required for entry. Early bird pricing available now with the "Sidekick" Package; ticket prices will rise closer to the events.

Get feedback on your script

The Detective Package offers you the opportunity to have the Legion M development team read, evaluate, and provide you with in-depth notes for your screenplay, book, treatment or comic book, gaining feedback about your project from professional producers and writers in the industry. Project review will take up to six months to complete, and are subject to the availability of the executives giving direct feedback. This is only available for 10 total backers.

1-hr Zoom with Legion M execs

Making it in Hollywood in hard! If you have burning questions about how to break into the business, or want to pick our brains about start-ups, Legion M's executive team will be happy to  give you some pointers! This business is all about who you know, so come get to know us! The Legion M Executive team is offering a very limited amount of these opportunities - only 10 total! 

10-min zoom with Michael Uslan

To celebrate the development of this pre-Broadway play, producer & writer Michael Uslan is offering the chance to have a chat with him about following your dreams and never giving up! In the Killing Joke Package, you'll get a 10 minute conversation with Michael Uslan to discuss his story of never taking no for an answer and making the impossible happen. Come be inspired. Only 20 spots available! 

Script signed by Michael Uslan

At the Daydreamer Package level, you will be given a physical copy of the script of the play, signed by Michael Uslan! This item is extremely limited and will only be given to 100 total backers. The script will be printed, bound, and will be watermarked with each backer's name. Each backer must agree to sign an NDA before the script will be released to that backer. The timing of this release is at the sole discretion of the play's executive team and may be after the play premieres.

Lunch with Michael Uslan (NY or LA only)

Imagine having lunch with a billion-dollar feature film franchise producer in Hollywood -- NOW YOU CAN! Michael Uslan is giving the opportunity of a lifetime to only 4 total backers to sit down & chow down with him in either New York or Los Angeles. Dates are TBD and subject to Michael's availability. All lunch dates will be vetted prior to confirmation of meeting. No pitches please. Travel and lodging not included.

BWLB Art Print (Mini Poster)

You will receive an art print by one of our extremely talented artists based on their interpretation of Michael Uslan's story full of inspiration and courage. In an 11x17 size, this art print will be one to frame for your wall. 

BWLB Trade Paperback

Meet the man whose life-long quest to reclaim the true, cool soul of Batman wonderfully transformed today's comic book movies. Growing up outside Asbury Park, New Jersey, Michael Uslan was obsessed with comic books. He'd be the first to grab the latest issues off the shelves from his local comic book store, including four copies of the now legendary Fantastic Four #1. His favorite superhero was the brooding, crime-fighting vigilante, Batman. Despising the campy 1960s TV show, Uslan became determined to bring the real Batman—dark, serious, burdened by a tragic past—to the silver screen. Undeterred by Hollywood's initial lackluster response, after a ten-year human endurance contest in which every major movie studio turned him down, Uslan went on to become Executive Producer on every modern Batman film, beginning with Tim Burton's widely hailed Batman in 1989 to Christopher Nolan's celebrated Dark Knight trilogy and well beyond. Warmly told and inspiring, Uslan's remarkable story is a testament both to the profound imaginative power of comic book heroes and the tenacity of the New Jersey boy determined to bring one of them to life. This second edition includes a special foreword and afterword by Uslan, bringing us up to date on everything Batman.

BWLB art print postcards (x4)

You will receive four postcards, each featuring the art created by our talented artists based on their interpretation of Michael Uslan's story.

BWLB Alt Mini Posters (x3)

You will receive the other 3 art prints by all of our extremely talented artists based on their interpretation of Michael Uslan's story full of inspiration and courage. All will come in 11x17 sizes, perfect for your wall. 

BWLB Exclusive Pin

This exclusive luxury enamel pin will feature art inspired by Michael Uslan's story of bravery and never giving up. 

Help us reach our stretch goals to unlock more perks! 

• If we hit $25,000, it will unlock a t-shirt for anyone who contributed $250 or more and a discounted add-on price for everyone else. 
• If we hit $50,000, it will unlock a surprise for all backers! 

*Note: Participating in this campaign does not constitute an investment into play based on the memoir The Boy Who Loved Batman, nor is it an investment into Legion M. To learn about how you can own a stake in Legion M, go to http://legionm.com/join-the-legion.

Full disclosure… getting a show from concept to the Broadway stage is tough. Only a small percentage of plays developed for Broadway actually make it, and this play will be no exception. That’s why we’re stacking the team behind the project with superhero level individuals working tirelessly to do everything in their power to realize our collective dream. And while we cannot guarantee that the play will ultimately be mounted, all IndieGoGo perks outside of access to play tickets will be fulfilled.

Dare to dream… and join us in this journey to Broadway!