It seems that everything Disney touches turns to gold and that includes their movies. Last year, Disney-produced films accounted for nearly 40% of the U.S box office, with almost 1 in every 3 movies on the market made in some way by Disney. In 2019, these films made more money for the company than ever before; Avengers: Endgame alone made $2.8 billion worldwide, almost as much as every Warner Bros. movie combined, and that was only one of Disney's billion-dollar movies for the year.
Actors working for Disney need to follow certain rules to make sure that they live up to the high standard the corporation expects. Some of these rules, like signing multi-movie contracts, can benefit actors with regular work. But other rules, such as restricting them from appearing in other movies, can have a detrimental effect on their careers.
18 Everyone Needs Permission Before Posting On Social Media
Disney relies on its stars' social media posts to get fans excited for their upcoming movies but they often have to be very careful about what they reveal, in case they inadvertently share secret information. In some instances, actors might even have to have their social media posts approved beforehand.
17 Actors Must Maintain The Disney Image At All Times
Disney wants its characters to be role models, and as we've seen in the past, they aren't afraid to drop or replace actors who don't live up to the Disney standard. Disney stars are contractually bound to make public appearances, participate in charitable causes, and uphold the Disney image at all times.
16 Actors Must Return For Re-Shoots, No Matter Where They Are
Idris Elba revealed in an interview with Telegraph that MCU actors are obligated to return for re-shoots whenever they are asked - and it doesn't matter where they are at the time or what they might be busy with. Now that the MCU is part of Disney, everyone needs to keep to their strict timelines.
15 Marvel Actors Are Not Allowed To Make Films For DC
Speaking at the 2017 Supanova convention, Chris Hemsworth revealed that it is “illegal” for a Marvel actor to appear in a DC film. As the DCEU and the MCU are in tight competition, it makes sense that Disney doesn't want stars like Robert Downey Jr. suddenly showing up as the next Batman.
14 The Only Exception To The No Smoking Rule Is For Historical Figures
In 2015, Disney extended its strict no-smoking ban to Marvel, LucasFilm, and Pixar which means that you'll never see a character in one of these movies puffing away. However, there is one exception: if the character is based on a real-life person and smoking was an important part of their historical background.
13 Disney Voice Actors Shouldn't Expect Big Paychecks
You might think that actors who voice characters in smash-hit animated movies like Frozen would get good compensation for their contribution, but you'd be wrong. Josh Gad, who voiced Olaf in this film (which went on to make more than $1.2 billion at the box office), reported that he only earned a few thousand dollars for his work.
12 Actors Cannot Perform Stunts Deemed Too Dangerous
While some actors might enjoy performing their own stunts, it can be risky for Disney. If an actor gets injured it could halt production and result in delays, which is why, most of the time, stunt persons are used for anything that might be too dangerous. This one makes sense.
11 Disney Actors Need To Make Sure They Look The Part
Actors who want to appear in Disney movies need to make sure that they look the part. Actresses playing princesses need to make sure they match their characters' physique and actors playing superheroes are required to keep to a strict exercise routine and eating plan. It can be tough work!
10 Actors Must Travel To Promote Their Films
A Disney actor's job doesn't end after the last scene is filmed, because then it's time for them to hit the road. Most Disney actors are contractually obligated to travel internationally to promote their films and that means even more time away from home for them. Hey, no-one said it was an easy job, right?
9 Disney Can Legally Own Rights To Names, Like They Did With Miley Cyrus
When a young Miley Cyrus agreed to play Miley Stewart in Hannah Montana, she also agreed to let Disney use her real first name for the show. What she didn't realize at the time was that she had given up the rights to her own name when she signed the contract.
