Man who voiced Simba in Lion King turned down $2 million cheque and accepted royalties instead
The Lion King is one of the most beloved Disney movies of all time, and its iconic soundtrack is a big part of what makes it so special. One of the most memorable voices on the soundtrack is that of Jason Weaver, who sang the singing voice of young Simba.
What you may not know is that Weaver turned down a $2 million upfront payment for his role in the film in exchange for royalties. It turned out to be a wise decision, as the movie became a global phenomenon and Weaver has made millions of dollars from royalties over the years.
In an interview with VladTV, Weaver said that he was initially offered the $2 million upfront payment, but his mother and agent convinced him to ask for royalties instead.
“My mother was absolutely right,” Weaver said. “That residual income that I generate, that is so helpful.”
Weaver said that he doesn’t regret turning down the $2 million upfront payment, even though it was a lot of money for a young teenager at the time.
“I’m happy with the decision that I made,” he said. “It’s been a blessing.”
Weaver’s decision to take royalties instead of an upfront payment has paid off handsomely. The Lion King soundtrack has sold over 18 million copies in the United States alone, and it has been translated into over 30 languages. Weaver earns a percentage of all sales of the soundtrack, as well as royalties from radio play, streaming, and other sources.
Weaver has also earned royalties from the many Lion King merchandise products that have been sold over the years, including toys, clothing, and video games.
Weaver’s story is a reminder that it’s important to think about the long-term when making financial decisions. A smaller upfront payment may be worth it in the long run if it means you’ll earn a percentage of future profits.
Simba’s Financial Advice
If you’re thinking about turning down a large upfront payment for royalties, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure you understand the royalty agreement and how it works.
- Be realistic about your expectations. It may take some time for your royalties to start flowing in.
- Be patient. It may take years for you to earn back your upfront investment.
But if you’re willing to be patient and you believe in your product or service, taking royalties instead of an upfront payment can be a very smart decision.