Disney & Johansson Finally Chop the Legal Beef Over Black Widow
In a blockbuster move, Walt Disney Co and superstar Scarlett Johansson have settled their legal showdown that began when the film’s first‑time premiere was split between theatres and the streaming platform Disney+. The twinsie deal was reached behind closed doors on Thursday, Sept. 30, though the fine‑print stays tightly guarded.
What Got Here Now?
- Disney:Got key share of box‑office dollars, but it walked off the edge…
- Johansson:Thwarted a cash‑in‑cap, citing the dual release bleed her pay.
Back in July, Johansson filed a suit in Los Angeles County Superior Court accusing the studio of “breaching” her contract by launching Black Widow on Disney+ while still playing in cinemas. She claimed that this overlap zapped her share of the revenue, the money that was supposed to come from a premium run in theatres.
Disney counter‑attacked, labeling the lawsuit a “flop” and insisting it was playing by the book. The studio also slammed Johansson’s claim as a “callous disregard” for pandemic‑era moviegoers’ safety.
Meanwhile, the streaming world was watching this drama like a popcorn‑catch‑the‑mushroom suspense movie, because every studio’s strategy hinges on squeezing the most bang out of the streaming boom.
Black Widow’s Numbers—Moments Worth Throwback
- Box‑office haul: 378 + million worldwide (Box Office Mojo’s numbers show the real gold.)
- Streaming sales: ~60 million in the first 20 days (Disney says it carried a sweet $30 surcharge.)
- Gold‑glowing theater revenue: 378 + million; the streaming dice rolled like a #catapult.
What’s Next for the DJ Duo?
Alan Bergman, content chair for Disney Studios, thrilled at the new partnership fate, saying “we’re looking forward to working with Scarlett on a host of future projects.” Among those projects is a film starring Johansson built on Disney’s “Tower of Terror” rides.
Johansson responded with enthusiasm, “Honestly, I’m proud of the work we’ve done together, and I’ve truly enjoyed the creative relationship with the team.” The actor‑queen is no stranger to headline earnings—she topped Forbes’s list of the world’s highest‑paid actresses in both 2018 and 2019 with a pre‑tax haul that swelled to $56 million over a year.
It’s a neat wrap‑up: two big players settle for something sweet, all while the audience waits for the next blockbuster surprise. The drama’s done—but the movies are just getting started.
