Musical version of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" in the works

Michael Jackson's 1983 music video for "Thriller" is heading to the stage.

The musical will be an adaptation of the clip, which was directed by John Landis. It is said to have cost $500,000, which was about 10 times the average cost of a music video then. The stage adaptation will incorporate music from the albums Thriller and Off The Wall.

"This musical will be the exclusive Michael Jackson authorized version of 'Thriller,' and Jackson will participate in every aspect of the creative process," said the Nederland Organization, which has acquired the rights to the project.

And while people on board for the musical are ready to get things rolling, it looks like there may be a few roadblocks along the way. Landis is suing Jackson for breach of contract. At the time the "Thriller" video was made, Landis and Jackson made an agreement that the director would get 50 percent of the profits made from the music video. Landis said Jackson hasn't paid Landis his share of the royalties for the past four years.

It has been estimated that Landis is owed at least $1 million.

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