How Much Does Jason Weaver Make From Lion King

Okay, let’s talk about one of the most magical voices of our childhoods. You know the one—the kid who sang “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” with so much swagger it still gives you chills. That’s Jason Weaver, the original voice of young Simba in the 1994 classic. And let’s be real: we’ve all wondered, “How much did that kid make from The Lion King?”

Spoiler alert: it’s not the millions you might expect. But it’s also way more complicated than just a single paycheck. So grab some popcorn, park your pride rock, and let’s dive into the royal treasury.

The Short Answer: Zero Royalties (Yeah, Ouch)

Here’s the kicker: Jason Weaver did not get a single cent in residuals—those sweet, sweet royalty checks—from The Lion King. Wait, what? Yep. When he recorded that iconic song, he was just an 18-year-old kid who signed a standard contract for voice-over work in the 1990s. Back then, residuals for animated musicals weren’t a thing. It’s like winning the lottery but having the ticket say “free refills only.”

He was paid a flat fee for his voice acting. That fee? A reported $1,000 per day for his recording sessions. So for a few days of belting out “The morning report!” and perfecting that little roar, he pocketed somewhere in the mid-four-figure range. And then the movie grossed nearly a billion dollars. Life isn’t fair, is it?

But Wait—There’s a Plot Twist

Jason Weaver got the last laugh, though. Sort of. In the 2019 live-action remake, the studio came calling again. They needed his voice for the song in the marketing and the soundtrack. This time, he negotiated a deal that reportedly paid him six figures—and included a residual clause. So while he didn’t get a dime from the original theatrical release, he finally got a taste of the Circle of Life (literally).

Plus, let’s not forget: he’s a successful actor and singer in his own right. He’s been in shows like The PJs and Smart Guy. But man, hearing that you missed out on millions for one song? That’s the kind of math that makes you want to practice your karaoke in front of a lawyer.

So, How Much Did The Lion King Actually Make for Disney?

Let’s put Jason’s $4,000-ish payday in perspective. The 1994 film earned $968 million worldwide (in 1994 money, which is even more insane). Adjusted for inflation, that’s over $2 billion today. And then there’s the live-action 2019 version, which made $1.66 billion. So Disney basically minted money from that one movie more times than a stamp at the royal palace.

Jason Weaver Lion King

Jason Weaver didn’t see a penny from any of that original ticket or video-sale bonanza. But here’s the wild part: he holds no grudges. In interviews, he’s seriously chill about it. He’ll joke, “I didn’t get no royalty, but I got a good story.” That, my friends, is the definition of grace.

What About Beyoncé? (Because We’re All Nosy)

Fun side note: in the 2019 film, Beyoncé voiced Nala and got a monster paycheck—something like $25 million for both the movie and the soundtrack. Jason Weaver, meanwhile, got paid a fraction of that to reprise his role in the credits song “He Lives in You.” And you know what? He celebrated Beyoncé’s success because he’s a class act. Also, he probably felt a little better knowing he got more than no check this time.

If you ever meet Jason, buy him a drink. He’s earned it.

The Real Money Lesson Here

This whole saga is a masterclass in why you should read the fine print and own your art—or at least get a badass agent. Jason Weaver was young and didn’t have the leverage to demand a residual deal. But he turned that early gig into a career, and he’s still making money from that voice.

Simba’s Voice Actor Jason Weaver Chooses Royalties Over $2 Million

Think of it this way: when you stream “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” on Spotify today, that pays him a tiny micro-penny (thanks to the soundtrack licensing). It’s not much—maybe enough to buy a single Skittle per stream. But it’s more than zero.

But Here’s the Heartwarming Part

Jason Weaver doesn’t sound bitter. He says things like, “I was part of something that’s timeless.” And honestly? That’s priceless. He’s part of our childhoods, a piece of nostalgia that we crack open every time we watch Simba pounce on Zazu. His voice is ingrained in our memories, and you can’t put a dollar sign on that—even if Disney tried.

So how much does Jason Weaver make from The Lion King? A flat fee, a later six-figure payday, and a lifetime of being the coolest guy to ever sing about bananas. Oh, and he gets some streaming pennies. But mostly? He gets the love of a generation. And that’s a deal even a hyena wouldn’t bother fighting over. Hakuna matata, baby.

So next time you hear that song, give a little shout-out to Jason. He’s the reason you still smile when you hear “I’m gonna be a king!” And if you ever see him at a coffee shop, just say, “Thanks for the soundtrack.” He’ll probably buy you a drink back. Because that’s just how the circle of awesome works.