by Because of the epidemic, a slew of event films has been released simultaneously on streaming platforms and in theatres, including Marvel’s Black Widow. Disney allegedly compromised the film’s box office potential in order to expand its streaming service, according to Johansson’s lawsuit. In a complaint filed Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court, the “Black Widow” heroine and executive producer claimed that her contract. The Wall Street Journal was the first to report on the case.
The film’s box office success was linked to Johansson’s potential earnings, and it was released in theatres and on Disney’s streaming service Disney+ for a $30 rental.
Ms. Johansson gave Disney and Marvel every opportunity to remedy their wrongs and make good on Marvel’s promise in the months leading up to this lawsuit, according to the lawsuit. “To relieve Ms. Johansson, for the full benefit of her Marvel contract, Disney willfully induced Marvel’s breach of the Agreement without justification.”
“This filing has no merit whatsoever,” a Disney spokeswoman said in a statement. In its callous disdain for the devastating and long-term worldwide impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the case is exceptionally tragic and heartbreaking.
“The lawsuit is especially terrible and heartbreaking in its callous disrespect for the catastrophic and long-term worldwide ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Disney wrote in an article. According to reports, “Disney has completely fulfilled Ms. Johansson’s contract, and the release of Black Widow on Disney+ with Premier Access has significantly improved her capacity to collect additional compensation.”
After being delayed for more than a year due to COVID-19, “Black Widow” opened to a pandemic-best of $80 million in North America and $78 million in overseas theatres three weeks ago, but theatrical grosses decreased dramatically as a result.
Previously forbidden hybrid theatrical and streaming releases have become more prevalent for several of the industry’s leading studios throughout the epidemic, with each following its own strategy. The same strategy is being used by Disney this weekend with “Jungle Cruise,” while Warner Bros.’ big-budget “The Suicide Squad” hits theatres on HBO Max next weekend.
Not only have they changed their hybrid release plans enraged theatre owners, but also artists, producers, and financiers who are concerned about potential revenue losses.
None, however, has gotten the same amount of press as Johansson’s allegation. The actor, who has acted in nine Marvel flicks dating back to 2010’s “Iron Man 2,” became a trending topic on Twitter after news of the lawsuit surfaced on Thursday.
