Robin Williams’ Selfless Act: How a 99% Fee Cut Saved Aladdin
A remarkable story has emerged about the making of the beloved Disney classic, Aladdin. According to a report by the Hindustan Times, Robin Williams, the legendary comedian and actor, slashed his fee by a staggering 99% to help save the film from potential financial woes.
In 1991, Williams was at the height of his career, having just starred in the critically acclaimed film, Good Morning, Vietnam. His collaboration with Touchstone Pictures, the studio behind the film, had forged a strong bond between the two parties. When Touchstone approached Williams for a voice role in their ambitious animated project, Aladdin, the actor agreed to on board, but with a significant caveat. Williams, who typically commanded a fee of $8 million for his roles, decided to take a drastic pay cut, accepting a mere $75,000 for his voice work as Genie.
As reported by the Hindustan Times, Williams’ decision to forego his usual fee was aimed at reducing the film’s budget. At the time, the actor was the only high-profile name attached to the project, and his reduced fee helped keep the overall cost of the film to a modest $28 million.
However, Williams’ involvement in Aladdin came with a contractual constraint. The actor had a non-competitive clause in his contract for his film, Toys, which was scheduled for release a few weeks after Aladdin. This clause prohibited Williams from promoting Aladdin, and he urged Disney not to use his name in promotions for the film. Disney obliged, and Aladdin was released without the benefit of Williams’ star power.
Despite the promotional restrictions, Aladdin went on to become a massive commercial success. The film earned $19.2 million in its opening weekend in the US and continued to perform well at the box office. By its eighth week, Aladdin was still the number one film, earning $15 million. The film eventually grossed $217 million in the US and $287 million overseas, culminating in a global haul of $504 million.
The Hindustan Times report highlights Williams’ selfless act, which undoubtedly contributed to the film’s success. By taking a significantly reduced fee and abstaining from promotions, Williams demonstrated his commitment to the project and helped pave the way for Aladdin’s massive box office success.
As noted by the Hindustan Times, Aladdin’s success was a milestone for Disney, with the film becoming their most successful animated film at the time, surpassing Beauty and the Beast. The film’s impact extends beyond its commercial performance, with Williams’ iconic voice work as Genie remaining an integral part of the film’s enduring legacy.
The story of Robin Williams’ involvement in Aladdin serves as a testament to the actor’s dedication to his craft and his willingness to put the needs of the film above his own. As reported by the Hindustan Times, Williams’ decision to cut his fee by 99% and forego promotions ultimately helped save the film and cement its place as a beloved Disney classic.
In conclusion, the story of Aladdin’s making, as reported by the Hindustan Times, offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of filmmaking and the sacrifices that sometimes need to be made to bring a project to life. With its engaging narrative and memorable characters, Aladdin continues to captivate audiences, and Robin Williams’ selfless act remains an essential part of the film’s enduring success.
The enduring popularity of Aladdin is a testament to the film’s timeless appeal, and Williams’ contribution to its success will always be remembered as a pivotal moment in the film’s history. As the Hindustan Times so aptly put it, "For a generation (or more), Robin Williams’ voice is synonymous with Genie."
