Scarlett Johansson is filing a lawsuit against Disney over the Black Widow contract violation. The movie’s release on the Disney+ streaming service simultaneously as the theatrical release is actually a breach of Johansson’s contract.
According to The Wall Street Journal report, a large part of Johansson’s salary was based on the movie’s box office performance in theaters. Sources familiar with the lawsuit said that the streaming release of the film cost Johansson more than $50 million.
Black Widow made $80 million domestic box office debut and set a new pandemic record. It also made $60 million on Disney+ streaming service through Premier Access sales.
Johansson’s complaint states that after they learned about the Disney+ release of the movie through Premier Access, her representatives attempted to renegotiate her contract for Black Widow with the studio. The suit alleges that Disney and Marvel were “unresponsive” to these discussions.
“Disney intentionally induced Marvel’s breach of the agreement, without justification, in order to prevent Ms. Johansson from realizing the full benefit of her bargain with Marvel,” the lawsuit reads.
Disney responds to Scarlett Johansson’s lawsuit
In response to the lawsuit filed by Scarlett Johansson, Disney has released a statement. According to Variety, “There is no merit whatsoever to this filing. The lawsuit is especially sad and distressing in its callous disregard for the horrific and prolonged global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Furthermore, the statement says, “The release of Black Widow on Disney+ with Premier Access has significantly enhanced her ability to earn additional compensation on top of the $20M she has received to date.”
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