Scarlett Johansson Sues Disney for Breach of Contract During the Release of 'Black Widow'

Actress Scarlett Johansson filed a lawsuit against Disney for a breach of contract.

The actress claimed that the simultaneous release of “Black Widow” in theaters and on Disney+ was a breach of her contract and caused her to miss out on earnings.

According to someone familiar with Johansson’s contract, that action cost her over $50 million.

Scarlett Johansson Sues Disney for Breach of Contract During the Release of 'Black Widow'
Photo Credit: Disney/Marvel Studios

After the news of Johansson’s lawsuit was made public, Disney put out a statement themselves.

They stated that the release of the film in theaters and Disney+ did not breach the contract and that the company “has fully complied with Ms. Johansson’s contract and furthermore, the release of ‘Black Widow‘ on Disney+ with Premier access has significantly enhanced her ability to earn additional compensation on top of the $20 million she has received to date.”

Disney also went on to say that the lawsuit has “no merit whatsoever” and that it is “especially sad and distressing in its callous disregard for the horrific and prolonged global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

John Berlinski, Johansson’s lawyer, said in a statement that it’s “no secret that Disney is releasing films like ‘Black Widow‘ directly onto Disney+ to increase subscribers and thereby boost the company’s stock price.”

“Ignoring the contracts of the artists responsible for the success of its films in furtherance of this short-sighted strategy violates their rights and we can look forward to proving as much in court,” he added.

Since Johansson’s lawsuit, Emma Stone who starred in the Disney movie “Cruella” is “said to be weighing her options,” as her film was also released in theaters and Disney+.

Photo Credit: Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP, File/ Disney/ Marvel Studios