Scarlett Johansson sues Disney

Scarlett Johansson filed a lawsuit on Thursday July 29th at the Los Angeles Superior Court. Johansson's legal team alleges that the stars contract was breached when the studio streamed the movie at the same time as its theater release.

The attorney for Johansson says that this affected ticket sales for the movie's theatrical release, impacting the stars compensation which they say was tied to Black Widow's box office performance. The film premiered simultaneously on Disney+ for $30, and in theaters in early July. Despite setting a box office record for release during the pandemic, grossing $218 million in its first weekend and pulling $60 million on the streamer.

"There is no merit whatsoever to this filing," Disney said in a statement. "The lawsuit is especially sad and distressing in its callous disregard for the horrific and prolonged global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic."

Disney's response has shocked many people, with some criticizing the studio on social media.
"If Disney can do this to Scarlett Johansson, a big name, imagine what they're able to do to creators/actors with a lot less power and money," tweeted film producer Mallory Yu.