Why Scarlett Johansson is suing Disney, how much has she lost to Black Widow's streaming release
Scarlett Johansson, best known for playing the role of Natasha Romanoff or Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films, has sued Marvel Studios parent company Disney for breaching the terms of their contract. The actor, whose first and possibly last standalone MCU movie Black Widow was released simultaneously in theaters and on Disney +’s PVOD service, Premier Access.
As reported by the Wall Street Journal, a source close to the actor claimed that the simultaneous online release resulted in a loss of $ 50 million (approximately Rs 370 crore) for the actor.
Here is everything you need to know about the case:
What is the reason for Scarlett Johansson's trial?
According to the lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, the contract Johansson signed when she agreed to star in a standalone Black Widow film was broken when Disney decided on a hybrid release model in theaters and in streaming for the movie. The lawsuit further alleges that Disney wanted to use the film and the star power of ScarJo to promote Disney +, its streaming service.
Why did Disney choose a hybrid version for Black Widow?
The easy answer and maybe to that would be that the studio has had success with simultaneous releases (Mulan, Raya and the Last Dragon and Cruella). Those who didn't feel safe going out could pay for the movie and watch it from the comfort of their bed. And also, as the lawsuit says, it was an easy way to increase Disney + subscriptions and take on Netflix on its own turf. Disney rival Warner Bros. previously made waves in December 2020 when it announced that every 2021 film will have a hybrid theatrical and HBO Max release. It may also have prompted Disney's decision.
What is Disney's response?
Disney's response to the lawsuit has been surprisingly combative. He rejected it, saying there was no "merit whatsoever in this deposit. The lawsuit is particularly sad and heartbreaking in its callous disregard for the horrific and prolonged global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Disney has fully honored Ms. Johansson's contract, and furthermore, the release of Black Widow on Disney + with Premier Access has dramatically improved its ability to earn additional compensation on top of the $ 20 million it has received to date.
How much money has Scarlett Johansson lost?
It's not yet clear, but Disney's statement says Scarlett's box office salary was $ 20 million. This probably doesn't include the bonuses actors get after a movie's gross receipts exceed expectations. Black Widow, however, after a huge global opening (the biggest for a pandemic) has slowed down considerably and raised $ 319.45 million after its July 9 release date. But ScarJo is upset that Disney has decided to go for a limited release when all theaters in the world and even North America are not open due to the impact of Covid-19.
The Wall Street Journal, which broke the news of the lawsuit, reports that sources close to Johansson believe that the decision to release the film simultaneously on Disney Plus resulted in the loss of $ 50 million in bonuses, Variety reported.
"Why would Disney forgo hundreds of millions of dollars in box office revenue by releasing Picture in theaters when it knew the movie market was 'weak', rather than waiting a few months for is this market recovering? In terms of information and conviction, the decision to do so was made at least in part because Disney saw the opportunity to promote its flagship subscription service using Picture and Ms. Johansson, thereby attracting many new monthly paid subscribers, retaining existing subscribers and establishing Disney + as an indispensable service in an increasingly competitive market, ”says the lawsuit (quoted by The Hollywood Reporter).
However, Disney's statement, despite its aggressive nature, suggests that Scarlett could get more compensation on top of her salary. The studio may have included the line just to appease the actor, and that may not have been part of the deal.
Warner Bros. according to THR had to pay around $ 200 million to actors and directors like Gal Gadot, Patty Jenkins and Will Smith as compensation.
What is the significance of the trial?
The trial is not limited to Scarlett or Disney. This affects the entire entertainment industry and the global debate between theater and streaming. Many established filmmakers have expressed fears that the theatrical model may not be robust to begin with, and is now dying a slow and lingering death from the pandemic. After the WB's decision, Christopher Nolan, who has worked at the studio for most of his career, reacted with disbelief and shock. He told ETOnline: “In 2021 they have some of the best filmmakers in the world, they have some of the biggest stars in the world who have worked for years in some cases on these very close to their hearts projects that are meant to be. big screen experiences. They're supposed to be there for the widest possible audience ... and now they're being used as a lead product for the streaming service - for the fledgling streaming service - without any consultation.
Other filmmakers with a more traditional mind and prefer the theatrical model to streaming, have expressed dismay at the move. They see it as the last nail in the coffin of theatrical affairs.
Are there any upcoming Marvel movies that will follow a similar path?
Not to our knowledge. The next Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings will have a 45-day theatrical release window, after which it will go to Disney +. Eternals and Spider-Man: No Way Home are also expected to follow the same pattern. The last Disney movie to have a concurrent release was Jungle Cruise, released Friday.
