Disney’s Decades-Long Feud with a Music Icon Louis Prima

Prior to Robin Williams’ well-known dispute with Disney on the 1992 film’s marketing, another prominent person had a tense relationship with the studio. Following his role as King Louie’s voice in ‘The Jungle Book’ (1967), Louis Prima had a falling out with Disney. Prima, a well-known Italian-American bandleader who is recognised for his upbeat fusion of jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, and early R&B, gave King Louie, who performs the well-known song ‘I Wan’na Be Like You,’ enduring charisma. However, following ‘The Jungle Book’, Prima and Disney’s collaboration deteriorated.

Despite being considered for roles, Prima was not chosen for further films such as ‘Robin Hood’ (1973). He made a competing record that parodied the ‘Robin Hood’ soundtrack after being hurt by the exclusion. His role in Disney films grew less frequent once his health deteriorated and he died in 1978. In the 1990s, Gia Maione, Prima’s widow, filed a lawsuit against Disney, claiming that the company was making money off of Prima’s work without paying her fair compensation, over royalties and home video rights. King Louie’s use is now subject to legal restrictions as a result of the litigation.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

Disney developed characters as a workaround, such as King Larry in ‘House of Mouse’ and younger Louies in programs like ‘Jungle Cubs’. Following Maione’s passing in 2013, Disney reclaimed the rights to King Louie, reintroducing him in Jon Favreau’s 2016 live-action ‘The Jungle Book’ as a Gigantopithecus narrated by Christopher Walken.

A follow-up to the live-action ‘Jungle Book’ has been rumoured since 2016, but it seems to be on hold. If it is brought back to life, it might give King Louie another opportunity to appear on screen and carry on his legacy in Disney’s changing versions.

–Farheen Ali