Landis claims he has not received profits from the "Thriller" video, including licensing rights, for the past four years. The lawsuit accuses the pop star of "fraudulent, malicious and oppressive conduct." Landis is also the director of "An American Werewolf in London" and "The Blues Brothers," among other films.

It was announced earlier this week that the Nederlander Organization had acquired the rights to produce a new musical based on the 14-minute "Thriller," the video spawned from Jackson's top-selling album of the same name.

About the lawsuit, James L. Nederlander, President of the Nederlander Organization, said in a statement, "These past issues can be worked out."

The musical, according to a press release, will be based on the "Thriller" video, which was a "horror film spoof in which a young couple are out on a date on a beautiful full moon evening, when suddenly the young man, played by Jackson, turns into a werewolf." The production will feature songs from both "Thriller" and Jackson's "Off the Wall" albums.

Grammy winner Jackson is expected to be part of the creation of the new musical.

"Thriller," which was originally released in 1982, is the top-selling album of all time.

Thriller Live, a celebration of the life and career of Michael Jackson, is currently playing London's Lyric Theatre through April 12.