Scarlett Johansson Sues Disney Over Contract Breach

Scarlett Johansson has dragged Disney to court over a breach in contract after the actress simultaneously released her film ‘Black Widow’ in theatres and on Disney+.

In a lawsuit filed Thursday, July 29 in Los Angeles Superior Court, the “Black Widow” star and executive producer said her contract guaranteed an exclusive theatrical release.

“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,” the suit read.

The lawsuit claims Johansson’s salary was based on the box office performance of the film “Black Widow.”

According to reports, Johansson’s lawyers tried to renegotiate the actress’s contract with Disney in 2019 after first expressing concerns about the multi-platform release.

“This will surely not be the last case where Hollywood talent stands up to Disney and makes it clear that, whatever the company may pretend, it has a legal obligation to honor its contracts,” said John Berlinski, Johansson’s attorney.

“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.

‘Black Widow’ opened strongly in the United States with $80 million but reportedly dropped by 67% in its second week. Disney announced that it made $60 million via rentals in its opening weekend at $30 per rental.

S.S/F.P/PULSE