Scarlett Johansson has slapped Disney with a hot lawsuit claiming they breached her contract by releasing her highly anticipated standalone film, Black Widow, on Disney+ at the same time it was released in theaters.
The lawsuit, which was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, takes direct aim at the day-and-date releases that are dropping on streamers the same day as theaters.
Scarlett feels Disney+ used to the film to grow its subscribers, rake in dough with their premier access fee, and boost their stock price at her expense.
Marvel promised Scarlett the film would be a theatrical release, at least for 90 to 120 days, and a large portion of her compensation would “be based on box office receipts.”
Black Widow made an $80 million debut at the box office, which is good considering we are in a pandemic.
But, everyone knows that’s not how Marvel gets down at the box office and it didn’t help that Disney also took a chunk of the earnings by streaming it to their subscribers for an additional fee.
The film has since crossed $157 million domestically and $318 million worldwide.
Scarlett Johansson is seeking an unspecified about in damages and Disney is the sole defendant.
A Walt Disney Company Spokesperson said:
This lawsuit is especially sad and distressing in its callous disregard for the horrific and prolonged global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Disney has fully complied with Ms. Johansson’s contract and furthermore, the release of Black Widow on Disney+ with Premier Access has significantly enhanced her ability to earn additional compensation on top fo the $20M she has received to date.
Read more on this lawsuit at Deadline.
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