Disney Attempted to Remove Robin Williams from ‘FernGully: The Last Rainforest

“Why Did Disney Attempt to Remove Robin Williams from ‘FernGully: The Last Rainforest’?”

In 1992, Walt Disney Studios released the beloved family film “Aladdin,” featuring the iconic voice of Robin Williams. While the film achieved critical acclaim and won numerous awards, it was not without its share of behind-the-scenes drama. Many are aware of the fallout between Williams and Disney following “Aladdin,” but what’s often overlooked is Disney’s attempt to push Williams off another project in production at the same time: “FernGully: The Last Rainforest.”

However, it’s essential to understand that Disney wasn’t the one to instigate this situation. The initial move came from Wayne Young, a creative mind behind “FernGully,” who collaborated with Kroyer Films Inc., the studio producing the film. Young, along with Bill Kroyer and Jim Cox, had previously worked with Disney, and Young sought additional talent for “FernGully.” With Cox’s help, Young gained access to Disney’s offices and identified promising talents he wished to hire, an action that ultimately set in motion a series of events affecting “FernGully.”

What followed was an attempt by Disney to impede the production of “FernGully” and make “Aladdin” Williams’ top priority. However, before jumping to conclusions about Disney’s intentions, it’s crucial to delve deeper into the sequence of events.

Interestingly, Robin Williams had initially signed on to voice two characters, Batty Koda in “FernGully” and Genie in “Aladdin.” Both roles were created with Williams in mind and featured witty, pop-culture-referencing humor. Williams embraced both projects, supporting “FernGully” for its environmental message and the opportunity for his children to enjoy his work.

While Williams was already involved with “FernGully,” Disney approached him with the role of Genie. By that time, Williams was deeply invested in “FernGully” but had no qualms about voicing both characters. This appeared to be a win-win situation, but Disney’s Chairman, Jeffrey Katzenberg, had different plans.

Katzenberg attempted to persuade Williams to prioritize “Aladdin” over “FernGully.” When this direct approach failed, Katzenberg adopted a different strategy. He recognized that Kroyer Films was seeking production space for “FernGully” and began outbidding them for the same locations, making it challenging for the rival production. This tactic forced Kroyer Films to rent a brewery in an attempt to keep a low profile. However, Katzenberg not only discovered their choice of location but also made an unsuccessful attempt to purchase the building during “FernGully’s” production.

Ultimately, both “Aladdin” and “FernGully” found success in their own right. “Aladdin” received numerous accolades for its animation, music, and performances, while “FernGully” became Robin Williams’ first animated role and conveyed a powerful environmental message. Proceeds from “FernGully” supported conservation and environmental awareness charities, and the film’s message remained relevant and impactful.

Despite the tensions and challenges during production, the legacy of both films endures, showcasing the talent and dedication of all involved, including Robin Williams and the persistence of “FernGully: The Last Rainforest” in conveying its important message.

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