Robin Williams’ Estate Plan Bars Disney From Using Old Outtakes

When Disney recorded the “Aladdin” movie with Robin Williams, there were a lot of recorded outtakes, which were never incorporated in the film. These recordings are still very entertaining and would be of high interest to any “Aladdin,” Disney and Robin Williams’ fans, but — according to Williams’ will — Disney is not permitted to use the material for another 25 years.

In fact, Disney long planned to create a live action prequel to “Aladdin” called “Genies.” The filmmaker would be able to use the reams of unused Williams’ recordings for that purpose, but the outtakes will not be available for a quarter of a century — 2039 to be exact. It all has to do with a stipulation in Robin Williams’ will, which strives to protect Williams’ children from any taxes on posthumous earnings.

At least one Williams’ fan from the “Den of Geek” website noted that it might not be such a bad thing. The commentator said that it would be great to see another performance from Williams’ cartoon genie, but one that was patch-worked together from old material might not be the greatest tribute to the now-gone actor. There is little doubt that Robin Williams’ millions — if not billions — of fans around the world continue to miss him, and for those fans there is a great deal of footage, interviews and films available that they can readily enjoy.

Based on this news, it appears that Williams did his best to safeguard his children’s inheritances and the legacy he left behind. Florida residents can do the same with a strategically planned and appropriately-drafted will.

Source: Den of Geek, “Robin Williams’ will prevents Disney using his Aladdin outtakes,” Simon Brew, Nov. 10, 2015