Scarlett Johansson is suing Disney for breach of contract after the studio streamed her picture Black Widow at the same time it was released in theaters.
When the superhero film came out this month, it broke the box office record for the Covid-19 epidemic, garnering $218 million (£157 million) in its first weekend. However, box office receipts plummeted, and Scarlett Johansson claims she was denied possible rewards.
Ms. Johansson claims she was promised by Marvel Studios, which is controlled by Disney, that Black Widow would be a “theatrical release,” which she took to indicate that a customary “window” of time would pass before it was streamed. Black Widow grossed $80 million in North America and $78 million abroad in its opening weekend, plus at least $60 million in Disney+ Premier Access rentals.
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Scarlett Johansson’s back end on Black Widow is tied to box office sales. She’s projected to lose $50M. Damn.
— Chris Palmer (@ChrisPalmerNBA) July 30, 2021
Disney has now responded to Johansson’s complaint regarding Black Widow. Disney’s message was published on Twitter by Brooks Barnes, a reporter for The New York Times. Disney claims that they followed Johansson’s contract to the letter, and that Johansson’s compensation was not harmed, but rather increased, as a result of the Disney+ release. The complete statement from Disney may be found below:
“This lawsuit has no merit whatsoever.” In its callous disdain for the devastating and long-term worldwide impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the case is exceptionally tragic and heartbreaking. Ms. Johansson’s contract has been fully honored by Disney, and the release of Black Widow on Disney+ with Premier Access has considerably increased her chance to collect extra remuneration on top of the $20 million she has already earned.”
Following all of the recent hoopla surrounding Black Widow’s long-awaited debut, the news of this lawsuit is quite unexpected and startling. Disney does not appear to be holding back or leaving things ambiguous in their statement in an attempt to keep the controversy at bay, as many firms do. If there was ever any doubt or suspicion, Natasha Romanoff’s time in the MCU has come to an end.
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