Scarlett Johansson Settles With Disney over Black Widow

Disney and Scarlett Johansson have reached a settlement over Black Widow.

In a joint statement, Disney and Johansson revealed that the issue was settled out of court.

Johansson and Disney fell out after the release of her standalone Black Widow film over pay. Her contract was done pre-COVID when the film was just set to be opened in theaters. Johansson, sued Disney, accusing the entertainment giant of breaching her contract when the company offered the movie on its subscription streaming service Disney+ at the same time the film was playing in theaters.

Johansson didn’t agree that Disney should release the film in theaters and on Disney Plus because it put a dent in her overall profit percentage which was based on a theater only release.

From HOLLYWOODREPORTER.com:
“Disney Studios chairman Alan Bergman added: “I’m very pleased that we have been able to come to a mutual agreement with Scarlett Johansson regarding Black Widow. We appreciate her contributions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and look forward to working together on a number of upcoming projects, including Disney’s Tower of Terror.”

Terms of the settlement between Disney and Johansson’s Periwinkle Entertainment company were not disclosed.

“Black Widow,” which debuted on July 9 in theaters and for a $30 charge on Disney+, grossed more than $378 million in worldwide theater receipts. The feature also generated about $60 million through streaming purchases in its first 20 days in release, Disney has said.

Susan Saunders 10/1/21