View of a billboard above the El Capitan Leisure Centre selling Marvel Studios' 'Black Widow' on June 22, 2021 in Hollywood, California.AaronP/Baue
View of a billboard above the El Capitan Leisure Centre selling Marvel Studios’ ‘Black Widow’ on June 22, 2021 in Hollywood, California.
AaronP/Bauer-Griffin | GC Pictures | Getty Pictures
Disney fired again towards Scarlett Johansson on Thursday after the Marvel actress filed a lawsuit towards the studio for releasing “Black Widow” on Disney+.
Johansson claims she had been assured an unique theatrical launch of the movie and far of her wage was tied to its box-office efficiency.
“There is no such thing as a benefit by any means to this submitting,” Disney mentioned in a press release Thursday. “The lawsuit is particularly unhappy and distressing in its callous disregard for the horrific and extended international results of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
“Disney has totally complied with Ms. Johansson’s contract and moreover, the discharge of ‘Black Widow’ on Disney+ with Premier Entry has considerably enhanced her skill to earn further compensation on high of the $20 [million] she has acquired up to now,” it added.
In keeping with the actress’ lawsuit, Johansson’s representatives had sought assurances that “Black Widow” could be launched in theaters way back to 2019. There have been issues that Disney executives may use the movie to pad its new streaming service Disney+.
Johansson’s lawsuit cited a response from Marvel’s chief counsel, which said “Black Widow” could be launched like different movies within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. That means, it could have a theatrical run earlier than going to the house video market.
“We perceive that ought to the plan change, we would want to debate this with you and are available to an understanding because the deal relies on a collection of (very giant) field workplace bonuses,” the response reads.
This assertion was supplied months earlier than the pandemic disrupted the movie show trade and compelled studios to shift theatrical launch methods.
The submitting alleges that after Johansson heard that “Black Widow” could be launched on streaming and in theaters on the identical day, she tried to barter with Marvel. Disney and Marvel didn’t reply.
It’s unclear how a lot Johansson was paid to star as Natasha Romanoff within the movie or if the purported $20 million payout from Disney consists of any of the movie’s present box-office haul.