Okay, I'm going to debunk this one. They were "friends" in like acquaintance sense. Not close, personal friends. I've hung out more with Stan Lee than Michael.
I'm going to correct what I said: Michael showed up one day, contract of some sort was signed.
Stan loves to say that EVERYONE is his friend, lol. He loves publicity, just like many others. He's in his 90s, so whatever he says, just let him enjoy it!
And for anyone thinking I meant something else, Michael's 100% STRAIGHT! When cameras are off, paparazzi not around, he loved to grab women by the hand to talk to them, or goose them - the silly! bearhug