The Avenger Black Widow had a big target in 2021. In a case full of Hollywood intrigue and contractual clashes, Scarlett Johansson challenged Disney over the release strategy for her MCU solo film. The situation ended up sparking a big legal debate and also brought up some questions about how movies were released during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Still from Black Widow (Marvel Studios)
However, although both parties reached a settlement, the situation seems to have been quite difficult for the actress, as she was going through a time of personal retreat. In the end, it was a significant learning experience for her.
What Was the Lawsuit Filed Against Disney?
Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow (Marvel Studios)
Scarlett Johansson had her name involved in a major controversy this year, but in 2021, she found herself in a more critical situation when she decided to sue Disney over the simultaneous release of the film Black Widow in cinemas and on the Disney+ streaming platform. The decision went against the terms of the contract, which provided for an exclusive theatrical release.
It is not officially known why the company took such action on its own, and not informing the actress beforehand, although they have made it clear that it was a strategy due to the Covid-19 pandemic. With empty theaters, this was a decision to gain more of an audience since the viewers were staying at home.
This year, in an interview with the New York Times, Johansson recalled how difficult it was at the time, as the situation took her by surprise at a very delicate moment. The actress was pregnant and about to have her baby when Disney accused her of being “insensitive” to the effects of the pandemic by opposing the double release.
I don’t hold a grudge. I think it was just poor judgment and poor leadership at that time. It just felt very unprofessional to me, the entire ordeal. And honestly, I was incredibly disappointed, especially because I was holding out hope until, finally, my team was like, ‘You have to act.’
Johansson’s salary was tied to the film’s performance at the box office alone, excluding profits from streaming. According to her agent Bryan Lourd, Disney criticized her character and breached her contract by intentionally redirecting “the revenue stream and profits to Disney+’s side.” (via The New York Times).
Scarlett Johansson And Disney Came To An Agreement
Still from Black Widow (Marvel Studios)
The specific details of the agreement have not been revealed officially, however, Deadline informed that the compensation exceeded $40 million. Reportedly, Scarlett Johansson had requested an additional $80 million from Disney (via The Wall Street Journal)
The company had said Black Widow‘s release on streaming, along with Premier Access, significantly increased Johansson’s earnings, since it would generate additional compensation on top of the US$20 million she had received for the role. After the lawsuit was settled, Disney claimed they had “completely followed” her contract and dismissed her case as having “no merit at all”.
Nevertheless, Alan Bergman, content chairman for the company, thanked the actress for her contribution to the MCU and said that the studio looks forward to working with her again. Johansson replied she was happy they sorted things out, also having no problem going back to other projects with them.
I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done together over the years and have greatly enjoyed my creative relationship with the team.
Black Widow made $80 million in its opening weekend at the North American box office. The movie also pulled in $60 million globally on Disney+ that weekend, according to the studio.
Looking ahead to future projects, Scarlett Johansson has been confirmed in Tower of Terror, a new Disney production with no premiere date yet. Additionally, according to latest reports, a top-secret Marvel project — most likely a series — with the studio is also in the works.
