“Black Widow” star Scarlett Johansson files a lawsuit against Disney
“Black Widow” star Scarlett Johansson files a lawsuit against Disney!
Disney had announced in March that “Black Widow,” among several of its 2021 films, would premiere simultaneously on the studio’s subscription-based streaming service, for a premium $30 price, and on the big screen.
However, the decision didn’t go well with the Marvel movie’s star and sparked a legal battle. The news was broke by The Wall Street Journal.
Attorneys for Johansson in the filed lawsuit at the Los Angeles Superior Court, on Thursday, alleged that the actress’s contract was breached when the studio opted not to debut the film exclusively in theaters.
As per the claims, the move depressed ticket sales for the Avengers spinoff.
“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 suit reads.
“Disney chose to placate Wall Street investors and pad its bottom line, rather than allow its subsidiary Marvel to comply with the agreement,” the suit reads.
“To know one’s surprise Disney breach of the agreement successfully pulled millions of fans away from the theatres and toward its Disney + streaming service,” it continues.
As being reported, sources close to Johansson estimate that the decision to release the film concurrently on Disney Plus resulted in $50 million in lost bonuses.
“Black Widow” opened to $80 million in the U.S. and Canada on July 9, setting a COVID-era box office record.
The film has earned an additional $60 million on Disney Plus.
With ticket sales currently at $319 million globally, Black Widow stands to be one of the lowest-grossing Marvel movies.
However, the suit notes that Disney’s stock rose after the company disclosed the rental figures.
