Entertainment behemoth Disney is due for a whopping $50 million payout following the death of Star Wars legend Carrie Fisher. The media and entertainment multinational had taken out a huge insurance policy to cover itself if Ms Fisher could not complete at three film contract she had signed, according to reports.
The actress passed away on December 27, at the age of 60, four days after she suffered a massive heart attack on a transatlantic flight from London, where she had been publicising her memoirs, to Los Angeles.
Ms Fisher shot to fame playing the iconic role of Princess Leia in George Lucas’ original Star Wars trilogy, which was released in the Seventies. She had only just reprised her role last year for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. She is still set to have a big part in Star Wars Episode VIII, as she had finished filming before she died.
But, the actress was also expected to have a role in Star Wars Episode XI, which is due for release in 2019. Following her death, it is expected that the plot is due to be significantly changed. So far, Disney has not commented on how Ms Fisher’s death will impact on the Star Wars franchise.
Biggest ever payout
However, the expected insurance payment is believed to be the biggest ever single personal accident insurance claim. It is understood that the policy was taken out with Lloyds of London, which provided contract protection cover. It is believed that Disney wanted to cover itself as a result of Ms Fisher’s turbulent past. While she shot to fame when she was only 19, she has since led a troubled life, battling drug abuse and bipolar disorder.
Ms Fisher died following a heart attack on board the flight from London to LA, although a nurse on the plane is understood to have done her best to keep the star alive until the flight landed and waiting paramedics rushed her straight to hospital.
