David Spade, who voiced Kuzco in Disney's 2000 animated film 'The Emperor's New Groove,' recently opened up about his disappointment with the salary he received for the role. In an episode of the podcast 'Fly on the Wall,' Spade humorously articulated that he felt he had been 'rat f---ed' by Disney regarding his pay, stating that he was compensated significantly less than his contemporaries in the animation industry. He made a comparison to actors involved in 'Shrek,' where he noted that they earned around five million dollars, while he received only $75,000 for his role in a film that grossed substantial profits.

Spade's remarks reflect a broader concern within the entertainment industry regarding compensation disparities, particularly among voice actors in animated films. He pointed out that Disney framed the opportunity as an 'honor,' which contributed to the lack of lucrative compensation for his work. This sentiment was echoed by his co-host Dana Carvey, who emphasized the disparity by noting the impressive box office revenue generated by the film, suggesting that the financial return doesn't align with what actors like Spade received for their performances.

The conversation sparked by Spade also opens up dialogue about the economics of voice acting in animated films, particularly with big studios like Disney. It raises questions about how contracts are negotiated and the factors that determine payment for actors in roles that, while often perceived as less glamorous than live-action performances, can carry significant cultural impact and commercial success. As discussions around fair compensation continue in Hollywood, Spade's candid comments could catalyze further scrutiny on how voice actors are valued and compensated for their contributions to animated classics.