Disney counters Johansson’s lawsuit on “Black Widow” release

Walt Disney has countered Scarlett Johansson’s lawsuit over the release of ‘black widow’

According to Reuters, Disney has stated there was ‘no merit’ to the lawsuit, saying it had complied with her contract.

It affirmed that releasing the movie on its streaming platform had significantly enhanced Johansson’s ability to earn additional compensation to the $20 million she has received to date.

The Johansson’s lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles superior court on Thursday.  The lawsuit contains claims that the dual release strategy had reduced her compensation and was based partly on box office receipts from what was supposed to be an exclusive run in the cinemas.

The Johansson’s lawsuit  also claims that Disney wanted to steer audiences towards Disney+ where it could keep the revenues for itself as well as grow the subscriber base for the streaming platform which in turn boosts Disney stock price.

The unspecified damages are said to be determined at trial.

In a statement released by Disney, they expressed grievances over the situation saying “this is especially sad and distressing in it’s callous disregard for the horrific and prolonged global effects of the covid-19 pandemic”.

F.P/Reuters