Directed by Cate Shortland, the new Black Widow film sees the pre-Infinity War version of Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) forced to return to her previous life as a spy when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises.
Florence Pugh, Rachel Weisz and David Harbour co-star in the new superhero film , which marks the first movie of Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Johansson’s long awaited solo film set a pandemic-era record of $218 million worldwide during its opening weekend, before plunging box office figures set the film on track to become one of Marvel’s lowest-grossing movies of all time.
Analysts have questioned whether the film’s simultaneous Disney Plus streaming release damaged ticket sales, with many noting that it quickly became the number one pirated title after its small screen release allowed a free, high-definition version of the film to be shared on the internet.
But why is Scarlett Johansson suing Disney over Black Widow’s release and what has Disney said about the lawsuit? Here’s everything you need to know.
Why is Black Widow star Scarlett Johansson suing Disney?
Black Widow star Scarlett Johansson is suing Walt Disney Co for breach of contract after it released her solo superhero film on Disney Plus at the same time as its theatrical release in cinemas.
Johansson filed a lawsuit against Disney on Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court, claiming that her deal with Disney’s Marvel Entertainment guaranteed exclusive theatrical release.
The lawsuit claims that Disney used the release strategy to steer audiences towards their own streaming service “where it could keep the revenues for itself while simultaneously growing the Disney+ subscriber base, a proven way to boost Disney’s stock price.
“Second, Disney wanted to substantially devalue Ms Johansson’s agreement and thereby enrich itself.”
According to the Wall Street Journal, Disney’s dual release strategy reduced Johansson’s earnings, largely based on the film’s box office performance, by more than $50 million.
Disney has since responded to Johansson’s allegations, saying it had “fully complied” with her contract, claiming that her case has “no merit whatsoever”.
The statement adds: “The lawsuit is especially sad and distressing in its callous disregard for the horrific and prolonged global effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The release of Black Widow on Disney+ with Premier Access has significantly enhanced her ability to earn additional compensation on top of the $20m she has received to date.”
What is Scarlett Johansson’s net worth?
Scarlett Johansson is one of the highest paid actresses in the world, and currently has an estimated net worth of around $165 million (£118 million) thanks to her many film roles, including her long-running stint as superspy Natasha Romanoff in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The Marvel actress is also known for appearing in Jojo Rabbit, Lucy, He’s Just Not That Into You and Ghost in the Shell, for which she reportedly earned $17.5 million.
When is Black Widow free to watch on Disney Plus?
Having been delayed twice , Marvel fans waited a long time for Black Widow’s release. The film eventually premiered simultaneously in cinemas and Disney Plus with Premier Access on Friday, July 9.
Those who don’t want to pay the £19.99 extra charge for Premier Access can wait until October 6, 2021, when the film will become free for all Disney Plus subscribers to watch.
