Medlin & Medlin, PA
Attorney at Law
(704) 786-8173
Concord, NC 

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Robin Williams' Bad Contract with Disney

Let me tell you something you may not know about how the actor, Robin Williams, was mistreated by Walt Disney company when he lent his talents and voice to the character of the genie in the movie “Aladdin”.

Robin Williams wanted to make a movie his three young children would enjoy.

The genie was only supposed to be a minor character in the movie.

But Robin Williams’ amazing humor and rapid fire voice made him the star of the show.

The film itself was magical. It grossed over $300 million in its first year.

Williams’ experience with Walt Disney pictures was not so magical, but was so tainted that he vowed to never work for the studio again because of violations of conditions he placed on his involvement.

Williams only asked the standard movie industry fee of $70,000.00.

Williams asked that his genie voice not be used to promote the Aladdin movie and that his genie character not be the main focus of advertising.

First, Disney ignored the voice requirement and used his voice in commercials.

Second, the genie character in the movie posters remained the same giant size, but all the other characters were given shrunken figures to accent the genie.

Robin Williams trusted Disney while he gave the performance of his life and propelled the movie to worldwide fame.

Robin Williams virtually donated his brilliant comic talent to the Disney movie making machine but his family receives no royalties to this day.

This movie will generate millions for Disney corporation for years to come but not for Robin Williams’ family.

The lesson of this dispute is to put your contract requirements in written form and make your contract requirements clear and binding.

Robin, I took my three young sons to see Aladdin.

I will miss you.