Why Is Scarlett Johansson Suing Disney for Streaming "Black Widow"?

Disney have called the star's complaint "sad and distressing."

If you're a Marvel fan, it's safe to say you've probably watched Black Widow in cinemas or streamed it on Disney+ this month. 

The action-packed flick sees Scarlett Johansson's Natasha Romanoff (aka Black Widow) confront the darker parts of her ledger when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises. 

It also stars Florence Pugh (Little Women) and everyone's favourite Stranger Things daddy cop David Harbour.

Yeah, cool. But what's all this about Johansson suing Disney? 

So, earlier today reports emerged that Johansson is suing the Walt Disney Company over its streaming release of Black Widow. 

If you need a quick recap, the movie landed on the streaming service on 9 July. However—similarly to Cruella—you could only watch it with Premiere Access (basically, you have to fork out $34.99 to stream it). 

You'll want to keep in mind that the highly anticipated film landed in cinemas only a day before on 8 July. 

Right. So, why is she suing them? 

Well, in a lawsuit filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court, Johansson said her contract guaranteed an exclusive theatrical release. 

The actress' potential earnings were tied to the box office performance of the flick, which the company decided to release simultaneously in cinemas and on Disney+. 

As reported by ABC, Johansson's lawsuit claims Disney wanted to steer audiences toward Disney+ "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," the lawsuit said.

Woah. How has Disney responded? 

Uh, well it doesn't look like they're too happy about it. 

The company has reiterated that they complied with Johansson's contract, adding that the lawsuit has "no merit whatsoever." 

"The lawsuit is especially sad and distressing in its callous disregard for the horrific and prolonged global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic," Disney said in a statement.

Disney also highlighted that the release of Black Widow on Disney+ with Premier Access enhanced Johansson's ability to earn additional compensation on top of the $US20 million she has received to date. 

According to Forbes, Black Widow has earned over $US200 million worldwide theatrically, not counting whatever it has also earned on Disney+. 

Header Image: Marvel Entertainment