Scarlett Johannson exited the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Black Widow, but made clear she wasn't fully out the door after filing a lawsuit against Disney, alleging breach of contract.
The alleged breach occurred when Disney allowed the movie a simultaneous release in theaters and on Disney+. Johansson and her lawyers claim that the move was done without her consent and that it deprived her of potential earnings.
"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 stated.
"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 has fired back Johansson's lawsuit holds "no merit whatsoever."
"The lawsuit is especially sad and distressing in its callous disregard for the horrific and prolonged global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic."
"Disney has fully complied with Ms. Johansson's contract and furthermore, the release of Black Widow on Disney+ with Premier Access has significantly enhanced her ability to earn additional compensation on top of the $20M she has received to date."
Johansson's lawsuit said that Disney's promise to release Black Widow exclusively theatrically was broken when Disney realized that the pandemic was still raging and theaters were not necessarily safe.
Johansson's lawyers say that Disney saw the film as an "opportunity to promote its flagship subscription service using the Picture and Ms. Johansson, thereby attracting new paying monthly subscribers, retaining existing ones, and establishing Disney+ as a must-have service in an increasingly competitive marketplace."
The lawsuit has not been settled nor has it begun court proceedings.
