Disney Cuts All Ties With Scarlett Johansson
Just last month Scarlett Johansson sued Disney for breach of contract, and now Disney has reportedly retaliated by cutting all ties with the actor.
Scarlett sued Disney over releasing Black Widow in theaters and on Disney+ at the same time. According to Johansson, her salary was based on the theatrical release of Black Widow. Marvel reportedly agreed to not release the film in theaters and Disney Plus at the same time, but that didn’t happen.
Disney says that it complied with the agreement and if anything releasing the film on Disney Plus “enhanced” her $20 million salary.
Bob Chapek in an investor meeting addressed the ‘Hybrid release’ of movies as a way around Covid-19.
He said, “These films were conceived during a time when … we certainly didn’t know about COVID. Just like what we’ve done many times before, we’ve found ways to fairly compensate our talent so that, no matter what, everyone feels satisfied.”
He continued, “Both Bob Iger and I determined this was the right strategy. And, just to reiterate, distribution decisions are made on a film by film basis. We will continue to utilize all options going forward.”
