Jason Weaver is still earning big bucks after turning down a hefty offer from Disney for his role in “The Lion King.”
As AFROTECH previously told you, the actor played the singing voice of Young Simba and was offered a $2 million check up front.
Although it was his largest offer at the time, he ultimately was encouraged by his mother to decline. Instead, she suggested that he not take a flat rate considering what Disney would make from the movie and that it would likely be rereleased. Weaver ending up taking a $100,000 check up front and a lifetime of royalties for the 1994 film.
“She was able to see the playing field and go, ‘Wait a minute, this is going to make a lot of money over time. So, what happens when my son turns 40. Is he still going to be able to get a check from this when they eventually re-release this,’” Weaver told VLADTV.
Recently, he took to Instagram to share a new milestone associated with his performance in “The Lion King.” He received an award plaque for the song, “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King,” reaching double-platinum status and selling 2 million copies.
“I definitely would like to take a moment this morning to THANK MY HEAVENLY FATHER and LORD/SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST FOR CONTINUING TO BLESS ME AND MY FAMILY,” Weaver wrote on Instagram. “30 years later and the platinum plaques from this iconic animated film keep comin in. Wow… God is amazing, man. He is truly worthy to be praised. I would also like to express to everyone just how APPRECIATIVE I am for all of the love that I’ve been able to receive over the years from fans around the world who absolutely love ‘The Lion King.'”
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Weaver also took time to thank Disney, Sir Elton John, and Tim Rice for allowing him to be a part of cinematic history. However, the actor places the highest importance on his mother’s influence in shaping his career.
“Lastly, but most importantly… I WANT TO THANK MY MOTHER @marilynhaywood16 for EVERYTHING she’s done to help steer me in the right direction throughout the course of my life, as well as throughout my career,” he expressed. “I share all of these accomplishments with her, because I wouldn’t have been able to achieve ANY of it had it not been for the hard work she put in, and the sacrifices that she made so that I could live out my dream. I LOVE YOU, MA!! THANK YOU!! We’re double platinum 30 years later, mane!!”
