See Scarlett Johansson Speak Out On Black Widow Lawsuit
Scarlett Johansson talks about her legal battle with Disney!
This article is more than 2 years old
Over a decade after Scarlett Johansson’s first appearance as Natasha Romanoff, Black Widow finally got her solo movie. Black Widow was delayed extensively due to the pandemic (per The Verge) but finally found release in 2021. However exciting it was to see Black Widow get her own story, the release happened amid controversy. In July, Johansson sued Disney for breach of contract (The Wall Street Journal). In her suit, she claimed that her movie was guaranteed an exclusive theatrical release, instead of a simultaneous theatrical and streaming release. As the lawsuit has since been resolved, Johansson made a statement regarding her position while at the American Cinematique event where she was receiving an award.
During an interview for the event, Scarlett Johnasson spoke specifically to her frame of mind. She cited that it was important to know your worth, especially in the entertainment industry. After being in the industry for 30 years, the actress considered the ramifications of pursuing the matter. “Oh gosh if I stand up for myself, I may never work again,” mused Johansson. She went on to say, “thankfully that’s changing in the zeitgeist.”
Scarlett Johansson exuded class and confidence when she spoke on the matter. Her lawsuit with Disney became particularly aggressive between Disney and the company that represents Johansson, CAA. In a Hollywood Reporter article, Disney alleged that Johansson was being insensitive to the COVID-19 pandemic in light of the restriction of theatrical releases being a part of public safety. “The lawsuit is especially sad and distressing in its callous disregard for the horrific and prolonged global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said a Disney spokesperson.
Luckily, Johansson and Disney came to an understanding at the end of September. There seems to be no bad blood between the two parties. According to ScreenRant, Johansson is still set to star and produce in Disney’s new Tower of Terror film. The last iteration of Tower of Terror came out in 1997, starring Steven Guttenberg and Kirsten Dunst. With Johansson directing, that is good news for Disney who continues to pump out hits. Kevin Feige even announced that Johansson is producing a secret Marvel movie project (via Empire).
While Scarlett Johansson is not directly related to Marvel’s most recent project, her co-star Florence Pugh from Black Widow is slated to return. Clint Barton is reprising his role as the Hawkeye in the first property that puts him in the forefront. Also starring Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop, Hawkeye takes place around Christmas as Barton gets roped into another adventure. Black Widow is also honored in the series. The impact of her death still resonates with Barton as he struggles to get past it.
Florence Pugh played Natasha’s adoptive sister Yelena Belova in Black Widow. In the post credit sequence of the film, it was hinted that Yelena would ultimately go looking for Barton as she blames him for Natasha’s death. Black Widow was technically Scarlett Johansson’s last appearance as Natasha, though the film took place between Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War. The mantle of Black Widow is anticipated to be taken up by Yelena when she appears on Hawkeye. Johansson herself has several projects coming up next year. Viewers can see her in a film titled Asteroid City, also starring Tom Hanks and Margot Robbie.
