Scarlett Johansson arrives at the 35th Film Independent Spirit Awards on Feb. 8, 2020, in Santa Monica, Calif. Johansson and the Walt Disney Co. announced Sept. 30, 2021, that they had settled a lawsuit the actor filed in July over the streaming release of "Black Widow," which she said breached her contract and deprived her of potential earnings. Terms were not disclosed, but the two sides released a joint statement in which they pledged to continue working together. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)
By Andrew Dalton
Scarlett Johansson and the Walt Disney Co. on Thursday settled her lawsuit over the streaming release of “Black Widow,” bringing a swift end to what had begun as the first major fight between a studio and star over recent changes in rollout plans for films.
Johansson filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court two months ago, saying the streaming release of the Marvel movie breached her contract and deprived her of potential earnings.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the two sides released a joint statement in which they pledged to continue working together.
“I am happy to have resolved our differences with Disney," said Johansson, who has played Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow, in nine movies going back to 2010’s “Iron Man 2.” "I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done together over the years and have greatly enjoyed my creative relationship with the team. I look forward to continuing our collaboration.”
Alan Bergman, chairman of Disney Studios Content, said he is “pleased that we have been able to come to a mutual agreement."
“We appreciate her contributions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and look forward to working together on a number of upcoming projects,” Bergman said.
The lawsuit said Johansson's contract guaranteed an exclusive theatrical release, with her potential earnings tied to the box office performance of the film.
But as it has with other recent releases since the coronavirus pandemic began, Disney released the film simultaneously in theaters and through its streaming service Disney+ for a $30 rental.
The rhetoric of the lawsuit and Disney's response suggested a long and ugly battle was ahead.
“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.”
Disney at the time said the lawsuit had “no merit whatsoever," adding that it was “especially sad and distressing in its callous disregard for the horrific and prolonged global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Disney said the changed release plan "significantly enhanced her ability to earn additional compensation on top of the $20M she has received to date.”
Delayed more than a year because of COVID-19, “Black Widow” debuted to a what was then a pandemic-best of $80 million in North America and $78 million from international theaters on July 9. 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.
Revised hybrid release strategies have occasionally led to public spats between stars, filmmakers and financiers who are unhappy with potential lost revenues and their lack of say in such strategies.
But none were as big or as public as Johansson’s lawsuit.
Bitcoin hit a new high last week, rising above $68,000. But the coin has tumbled since, and it's not the only coin under pressure. Crypto is down today across the board. Bobby Zagotta, CEO of Bitstamp USA, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss the possible reasons why Bitcoin has slumped, how President Joe Biden's new crypto tax clause will impact investors, and more.
President Biden is under some pressure from members of his own party over rising gas prices. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for the president to utilize oil reserves to lower gas prices ahead of the holiday season, as gas prices are currently at a seven-year high. Energy Workforce & Technology Council CEO Leslie Beyer joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
The Green Bay Packers are selling shares of their stock for just the sixth time in its 102-year history. The Packers are the only major professional sports team in the U.S. that is publicly owned and not-for-profit. Now, it is offering 300,000 shares at $300 apiece; however, fans who become shareholders will not have much power, as the Packers' stock is not technically a stock. Washington Post sports reporter Des Bieler joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
Authors Stuart O'Keeffe and Amy Phillips join Cheddar News to discuss their new cookbook, 'COOK IT, SPILL IT, THROW IT: The Not-So-Real Housewives Parody Cookbook.'
The men's brand Harry's is teaming up with Stop Soldier Suicide and Headstrong to help provide mental health support with a $500,000 financial commitment. The withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan triggered a range of mental health responses from veterans and active service members, as well as displaced refugees who are now acclimating to a new way of life. Maggie Hureau, Harry's head of social impact, joined Cheddar News to talk about the partnership and why Harry's chose to get involved in mental health care.
As the U.S. opens its borders to vaccinated international travelers after months of restrictions, the hospitality industry is preparing for a comeback. Radha Arora, President and Co-Chief Development Officer, Rosewood Hotel Group joined Cheddar's Opening Bell to discuss his outlook for the broader travel industry.
John Partilla, Screenvision Media CEO, discusses the biggest changes to the post-pandemic film industry and movie-going experience, what could bounce back, and changes are here to stay; Elaine Low, Senior Entertainment Business Reporter at Insider, breaks down how The Great Resignation is impacting the entertainment business, and what it means for competition among streaming platforms; Cheddar gets a look at Curiosity Stream's 'Before Hollywood.'
Elaine Low, Senior Entertainment Business Reporter at Insider, joins Cheddar Reveals to break down how The Great Resignation is impacting the entertainment business, and what it means for competition among streaming platforms.
John Partilla, Screenvision Media CEO, joins Cheddar Reveals to discuss the biggest changes to the post-pandemic film industry and movie-going experience, what could bounce back, and changes are here to stay.
