Scarlett Johansson Sues Disney Over 'Black Widow' Release

Scarlett Johansson is suing the Walt Disney Co. over its streaming release of “Black Widow,” which she said breached her contract and deprived her of potential earnings, Lindsey Bahr and Andrew Dalton reported for the Associated Press (AP).

Photo Insert: Apart from playing the lead role, Scarlett Johansson also executive produced 'Black Widow'

In a lawsuit filed Thursday morning in Los Angeles Superior Court, the “Black Widow” star and executive producer said her contract guaranteed an exclusive theatrical release. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) first reported the news of the lawsuit.

Johansson’s potential earnings were tied to the box office performance of the film, which the company released simultaneously in theaters and on its streaming service Disney+ for a $30 rental.

“In the months leading up to this lawsuit, Ms. Johansson gave Disney and Marvel every opportunity to right their wrong and make good on Marvel’s promise,” the lawsuit said.

“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.”

After its release was delayed more than a year because of COVID-19, “Black Widow” debuted to a pandemic best of $80 million in North America and $78 million from international theaters three weeks ago, but theatrical grosses declined sharply after that.

In its second weekend in release, the National Association of Theater Owners issued a rare statement criticizing the strategy asserting that simultaneous release lends itself only to lost profits and higher quality piracy.

Once taboo, hybrid theatrical and streaming releases have become more normal for many of the biggest studios during the pandemic, with each adopting its own unique strategy.

This weekend, Disney is employing the same strategy with “Jungle Cruise,” and next weekend Warner Bros. big-budget “The Suicide Squad” opens both in theaters and on HBO Max.

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