Topline
Scarlett Johansson and Disney have settled a lawsuit in which the actress alleged Disney had breached its contract with her by releasing Black Widow on its streaming service despite promising her an exclusive “wide theatrical release.”
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 22: Scarlett Johansson attends the world premiere of Walt Disney Studios ... [+]
Key Facts
The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but sources told Deadline compensation exceeded $40 million.
Johansson reportedly asked Disney for $80 million in addition to her $20 million salary for the movie prior to filing the lawsuit.
In a statement, Johansson said that she was “happy” the “differences with Disney” were “resolved” and looked “forward to continuing our collaboration in years to come.”
Disney Studios content chairman Alan Bergman said he is pleased they were able to “come to a mutual agreement” with Johansson and “look forward to working together” on future projects like Tower of Terror.
The settlement was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Key Background
Johansson filed the lawsuit against Disney in July, claiming the company diverted audiences away from movie theaters to its streaming service, hurting her pay, which was partly based off of theater ticket sales. Disney said the actress already earned $20 million for her role in the movie and could receive more money from the movie’s release on Disney+. The lawsuit shone a light on discontent in the film industry as studios moved to premiere movies on streaming services as the pandemic shuttered theaters. Black Widow has earned $379 million at the worldwide box office to date. Disney has also said that the movie brought in $60 million in purchases through Disney+’s Premier Access paywall.
Further Reading
Scarlett Johansson Sues Disney For Releasing ‘Black Widow’ On Streaming Service (Forbes)
How Much Scarlett Johansson Can Win If She Triumphs In Disney Lawsuit (Forbes)
