Why Has Scarlett Johansson Sued Disney?

Scarlett Johansson has sued the production house of Black Widow, Disney, for simultaneously releasing Black Widow in theatres and on Disney's OTT platform. This is what you need to know about the case.

Why has Scarlett Johansson sued Disney?

Scarlett Johansson who starred as Black Widow in the latest Marvel film sued the production house, Disney, for an alleged breach of contract. This came after Disney had simultaneously released the film in theatres and on Disney+.

A percentage of the actor's income comes from how the movie performs at the Box Office in the theatres. But when the film Black Widow was released on the OTT platform and theatres simultaneously, it adversely affected the earnings of the film, according to reports.

According to the numbers, the film made $218m (£157m) in its first weekend. But these sales sharply fell down as the movie became available on Disney's OTT platform. Further, the actor reportedly lost money worth $50 Million.

Scarlett Johansson said in her statement that according to her contract she was promised that Black Widow would be a "theatrical release" by Marvel Studios which is owned by Disney.

She further added that she understood it as the film would release on OTT after a 'window' of a time period, traditionally 90 days.

Christopher Nolan said in his statement, "Warner Bros had an incredible machine for getting a film-maker's work out everywhere, both in theatres and in the home, and they are dismantling it as we speak."

He added, "Their decision makes no economic sense and even the most casual Wall Street investor can see the difference between disruption and dysfunction."

Replying to Johansson, the Disney spokesperson said that the strategy of dual release had "significantly enhanced ability to earn additional compensation on top of the $20m she has received to date."

They also said that they have "fully complied" with the contract and added that her lawsuit was "especially sad and distressing in its callous disregard for the horrific and prolonged global effects of the Covid-19 pandemic."

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