Michael Jackson has no business taking Thriller to Broadway at this time, as far as John Landis is concerned.
The man who directed the seminal 14-minute music video for Jackson's classic song in 1982—and also happens to be suing Jackson for back royalties—has filed additional court documents to prevent the embattled King of Pop from negotiating a deal to adapt Thriller for the stage.
Saying that Jacko has no right to shop the project without his approval, Landis is asking the court for a declaration that would prevent the deal from going forward unless he signs off on it.
According to Jackson's rep, Dr. Tohme Tohme, the artist is collaborating with play purveyors the Nederlander Organization on a Thriller musical and is planning "to oversee every aspect of the creative process."
Meanwhile, Landis' breeches were already in a twist over the pioneering rock opus.
Claiming he's still due 50 percent of the profits for his directing and cowriting duties on Thriller and an hour-long making-of documentary, he sued Jackson last week in Los Angeles Superior Court, accusing the Moonwalker of "fraudulent, malicious and oppressive conduct."