Details of the Lawsuit
Scarlett Johansson has filed a lawsuit against Disney, alleging that the company breached her contract by simultaneously releasing the superhero film Black Widow on its streaming platform alongside the theatrical release. This legal action has sparked an important discussion regarding the evolving landscape of film distribution. On July 29, Johansson filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles, asserting that her compensation was largely tied to the film’s box office performance.
She claims that the dual-release strategy significantly impacted her earnings from the project. In her legal filing, Johansson’s attorney stated, “Marvel had promised that the film would be released exclusively in theaters. Scarlett Johansson, Disney, Marvel, and everyone in Hollywood understood that this meant a theatrical-only release.” The lawsuit accuses Disney of intentionally directing Marvel to violate this agreement.
Johansson’s legal team argues that the online release of Black Widow was primarily a strategy for Disney to boost subscriptions to its streaming service. The attorney commented, “They are using COVID-19 as an excuse,” emphasizing their hope to prove in court that this release method disregarded contractual terms and the rights of the parties involved. The lawyer expressed confidence that Johansson would not be the last to challenge Disney for similar reasons.
Disney’s Response
Disney responded to the lawsuit the same day, stating, “We fully complied with our contract with Ms. Johansson. The streaming release of Black Widow has significantly enhanced her earnings, in addition to the $20 million she has already received.” This defense highlights the complexities of film contracts in the current climate, where dual releases are becoming more common.
Industry experts note that the lawsuit comes at a critical time for Hollywood, as the pandemic continues to impact traditional box office revenue. Many studios have adopted online releases to adapt to ongoing challenges, especially in areas experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks. Disney had announced in March that Black Widow would be available for streaming, although its initial theatrical release was originally set for May 2020.
Box Office Performance
When it was released on July 9, Black Widow made a significant impact, grossing $80 million in its opening week—the highest box office debut in North America since the start of the pandemic. Additionally, the film earned over $60 million from its streaming release. However, the film’s total global revenue remained around $318 million, disappointing industry analysts compared to other Marvel blockbusters. This financial performance raises questions about the sustainability of dual-release strategies, particularly in a market that is increasingly leaning toward streaming.
Broader Implications
The debate over simultaneous streaming releases has sparked controversy among actors, directors, and studios. At the end of 2020, Warner Bros. faced backlash and paid Gal Gadot and director Patty Jenkins an additional $10 million each to secure their support for the streaming release strategy. Subsequently, other stars expressed frustration at not receiving similar compensation, highlighting the growing divide in the industry regarding distribution practices.
Scarlett Johansson’s lawsuit against Disney underscores the ongoing tension between traditional film distribution models and the rise of streaming services. As Hollywood navigates these changes, the outcome of this case could have significant implications for future contracts and actors’ rights in the rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.
