Sometimes, the best decisions aren’t about what looks good right now — they’re about setting yourself up for the future. Jason Weaver’s story is living proof.
When Disney’s The Lion King was being made in the 1990s, Jason Weaver was just a young rising star with a powerful voice. He was offered the chance of a lifetime — to sing as young Simba. But behind that golden opportunity was a business decision that would shape his entire future.
Disney originally offered Jason a flat fee of $2 million for his work. For most people, that would have been an easy “yes.” But Jason’s mother, who had been guiding his career, saw the bigger picture. Instead of taking the big upfront check, she negotiated a $100,000 payment plus royalties on every project and release where his voice would be used.
At the time, it seemed like a risky move — turning down millions for a smaller immediate payout. But it turned out to be genius. Thanks to his mom’s foresight, Jason Weaver continues to earn royalties every time The Lion King is sold, streamed, or performed. With the film becoming one of Disney’s biggest cultural and financial successes, the royalties have outlasted the original $2 million by far.
Today, Weaver is paid for life from the project, all because his mother believed in long-term wealth over quick cash. It’s a lesson in vision, strategy, and the importance of having someone in your corner who sees beyond the moment.