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Julie Taymor reaches settlement over ‘Spider-Man’ musical

The marquee for the Broadway musical "Spider-Man Turn: Off the Dark" outside of the Foxwoods Theatre on West 42nd Street in New York.
(Charles Sykes / Associated Press)
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Director Julie Taymor has reached a settlement in her epic legal battle with the producers of the Broadway musical “Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark.” In a joint statement released Wednesday, the two sides said that the pending litigation between them has been settled by “mutual agreement of all parties.”

No terms of the settlement were announced. However, the statement said that Taymor’s claims against the musical have been resolved “with respect to both the current New York production and subsequent productions.”

There has been a good deal of talk, though no official word, of possible touring and overseas productions of “Spider-Man.” Las Vegas has also been rumored as a possible venue for the blockbuster musical.

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The new settlement is between Taymor; Glen Berger, who co-wrote the book for the musical; and 8 Legged Productions, the show’s production company.

Michael Cohl and Jeremiah Harris -- the musical’s lead producers -- said in a joint statement that “we’re happy to put all this behind us. We are now looking forward to spreading ‘Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark’ in new and exciting ways around the world.”

Taymor said in a statement: “I’m pleased to have reached an agreement and hope for the continued success of Spider-Man, both on Broadway and beyond.”

Taymor was fired from the director’s seat on “Spider-Man” in 2011 following a turbulent preview period that was beset by technical mishaps and negative reviews. She sued the producers in late 2011, saying they violated her creative rights and owed her money for her work on the musical.

Cohl and Harris subsequently countersued Taymor, saying she didn’t fulfill her duties on the show.

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In August, the two sides of the case reached an agreement in principle but a formal settlement was apparently never reached. A New York judge set a new trial date for May 28.

The settlement means that the parties won’t have to square off in court.

“Spider-Man” is the most expensive Broadway show in history, with a price tag estimated at $75 million. The show, which was overhauled following Taymor’s dramatic departure, received mixed to negative reviews but continues to be a top grosser on Broadway.

Overseas and touring productions would help the producers recoup their enormous investment.

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