Scarlett Johansson is taking Disney to court over the recent release ofBlack Widowon Disney+. Since debuting as Natasha Romanoff in 2010’sIron Man 2, Johansson has served as a prominent fixture in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, though it wasn’t until 2021 when she was finally given her own solo movie. Originally set to release in theaters in 2020,Black Widowwas delayed until this month when it premiered both in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access.
As it turns out,Scarlett Johanssonfeels that this dual release ofBlack Widowwas in violation of her contract for the movie. The Wall Street Journal reports that Johansson has filed a lawsuit against Disney and Marvel in Los Angeles Superior Court, citing breach of contract. Johansson’s salary is contingent on the box office success ofBlack Widow, which has dropped exponentially since its opening weekend. She is arguing that releasing the movie on Disney+ negatively affected theatrical ticket sales.
“Disneyintentionally induced Marvel’s breach of the agreement, without justification, to prevent Ms. Johansson from realizing the full benefit of her bargain with Marvel,” the lawsuit reads in part.
He added: “This will surely not be the last case where Hollywood talent stands up to Disney and makes it clear that, whatever the company may pretend, it has a legal obligation to honor its contracts.”
In the United States,Black Widowhas pulled in more than $150 million in its first four weeks atmovie theaters. Disney previously reported thatBlack Widowearned $60 million in sales on Disney+ in its opening weekend, but the numbers it’s drawn since then haven’t been revealed. As of now, the plan is to release other major Disney movies both in theaters and on Disney+ for the rest of the year, happening next withJungle Cruiseon July 30.
Black Widowstars Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, O-T Fagbenle, Olga Kurylenko, William Hurt, Ray Winstone, and Rachel Weisz. Cate Shortland directed using a screenplay by Eric Pearson with Jac Schaeffer and Ned Benson crafting the story. It is the first chapter of Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe on the big screen. Separately, Disney has also been expanding the MCU with Disney+ exclusive shows likeWandaVision,The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,Loki, and the upcoming showsHawkeye,Ms. Marvel,Moon Knight, andShe-Hulk.
Disney and Marvel have not yet publicly commented on the lawsuit brought forth by Johansson. For now, you can watchBlack Widowboth in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access. This news comes to us fromThe Wall Street Journal.
