a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
When a star cut his fee by 99% , took just $75K to save a film, was barred from promotions; yet film earned $504 million
In 1987, Robin Williams famously played US Armed Forces Radio Service (AFRS) DJ Adrian Cronauer in Good Morning, Vietnam. The critical success forged a strong bond between Robin and Touchstone Pictures, the studio behind the film. So, naturally, when Touchstone came calling a few years later for an ambitious animated project, the actor not only agreed but let go of his $8-million paycheck. But this started a rather curious turn of events that did end up saving the film, but reduced Robin to the background.
For a generation (or more), Robin Williams' voice is synonymous with Genie. But, when the movie first came out, Disney were not allowed to use his name for promotions. Robin's film, Toys, was scheduled for release a few weeks after Aladdin, and a non-competitive clause in that contract meant he could not promote Aladdin. In fact, the actor urged Disney not only not to use his name in promotions, but also to limit the character's appearance on the posters. Disney obliged, and Aladdin released without the actor's popularity helping it. Yet, the film was a smash hit.
