Scarlett Johansson, Disney settle ‘Black Widow’ lawsuit

Scarlett Johansson and Disney have reached a settlement on the actress’ breach of contract lawsuit over her payday from “Black Widow.”

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Terms of the deal were not disclosed, Variety reported.

Johansson had accused Disney of reneging on its promise to do a traditional theatrical release for “Black Widow.” Disney had a simultaneous release in theaters and on its streaming service, Disney+, the website reported. The suit alleged that Johansson was deprived of tens of millions of dollars in box office bonuses.

Disney countered by accusing Johansson of displaying “callous disregard for the horrific and prolonged global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Variety reported. The studio also disclosed that Johansson had been paid $20 million for her work on the film, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The release of “Black Widow” in theaters had been delayed multiple times due to the pandemic. The film was finally released on July 9, 2021, according to Screenrant. The Disney+ release was not free to subscribers, however; it included an additional $30 rental fee.

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Both parties said they were happy to reach a settlement.

“I am happy to have resolved our differences with Disney,” Johansson said in a statement. “I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done together over the years and have greatly enjoyed my creative relationship with the team. I look forward to continuing our collaboration in years to come.”

“I’m very pleased that we have been able to come to a mutual agreement with Scarlett Johansson regarding ‘Black Widow,’” Disney Studios Chairman Alan Bergman said in a statement. 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.’”

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“Black Widow” has earned $379 million at the worldwide box office, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

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