[astrodust]

I think the US nuclear program has a much bigger budget than Disney, and if they need something, they just get it.

The movie industry had cheaper options, so they went with those.

[kadoban]

I think you're underselling Disney's budget and reach. Yes, it's probably technically smaller than the US nuclear program, but even just Disney is worth $200 billion USD, ignoring all other studios and etc. Movies are big money.