how much has jason weaver made from lion king

Jason Weaver made a very smart business decision when working as the singing voice of young Simba in Disney's The Lion King. Rather than accepting a one- time flat fee of $2 million offered upfront by Disney, he took the advice of his mother and negotiated to receive a smaller initial payment of about $100,000 plus lifetime royalties from the film and its soundtrack. The Lion King has been a huge commercial success, grossing approximately $978.6 million worldwide as of 2024, with its soundtrack becoming the bestselling movie soundtrack in the US. Because of the ongoing popularity, re-releases, and sales, Jason Weaver continues to earn royalties. Over the 30 years since the movie's release, these royalties have generated him several times more than the initial $2 million offer. Though exact figures are not publicly disclosed, industry insiders and estimates suggest that Weaver has made well over $2 million in total from royalties alone, possibly several million dollars when combined with the initial payment and other earnings related to the franchise. His net worth is estimated at around $4 million in 2025, with the royalties from The Lion King playing a significant part in that wealth. In summary, by choosing royalties over a lump sum, Jason Weaver has made millions and continues to earn income from The Lion King decades after its release.