Although the legal battle between Disney and Scarlett Johansson over the Black Widow movie ended amicably, there is clearly a winner in this battle for profits.

After a “war of words” that lasted for many months, Scarlett Johansson and Disney have finally settled the Mouse family’s lawsuit over breach of contract for the Black Widow movie. But in this legal battle, who really wins?

On July 29, 2021, Scarlett Johansson – an actress with “seniority” in the MCU – filed a lawsuit against entertainment “tycoon” Disney at Los Angeles Superior Court. Johansson’s lawsuit alleges that the Black Widow release contract between Johansson and Disney was breached, when Black Widow was released on the Disney+ streaming service concurrent with its theatrical release.

Beautiful and talented actress, Scarlett Johansson

Johansson claims that Marvel Studios has assured Johansson of an exclusive theatrical release of Black Widow, with the actress also emphasizing that her commission is largely based on Black Widow’s box office receipts.

Meanwhile, a Disney spokesperson insisted that the lawsuit had “no merit,” calling it “sad and distressing because of Johansson’s callousness to the terrible and lasting global effects length of the COVID-19 epidemic”. The studio asserted that their move actually benefited Johansson by allowing Johansson to earn more money, on top of the $20 million that Johansson was already receiving.

Black Widow – solo film of the character Black Widow that Johansson plays

However, just a few days after announcing that the first trial between the two sides was postponed to March 2022, many news reported that both sides had reached an agreement as desired and the amount of money Johansson received from the side. Disney is about 40 million USD. While the specifics of the settlement were not shared publicly, considering the available details of the case, Disney is believed to have won the Black Widow lawsuit.

Disney was wise to avoid any litigation issues
Disney has filed a petition with the court requesting the use of private arbitration. This means that all procedures will be free from media and public scrutiny. Instead it will be presented to a neutral third party and a decision will be made. In doing so, Disney will avoid additional “sensational” lawsuits caused by outsiders “fueling the fire”, which will only increase disadvantages for Disney.

Giant of the entertainment industry worldwide

At the same time, a number of Disney and Marvel projects have been affected by the Black Widow lawsuit. Not only that, the studio’s reputation is being greatly affected because quite a few fans have chosen to turn their backs on the “feminist” because of the company’s handling of it. Gender equality advocates, organizations and influential figures in the entertainment industry also criticized Disney for its attacks on actress Johansson.

The red-haired witch has also spoken out in support of Black Widow

Even the actress of the character Scarlet Witch herself, Elizabeth Olsen, supported Johansson. While Doctor Strange star Benedict Cumberbatch expressed disappointment in how Disney handled this legal battle. Although Disney’s reputation may have suffered in the first few months of the lawsuit, by settling with the “black widow” Disney actually avoided potentially worse consequences.

Disney’s potential future projects are not “dying young”
When news of the Black Widow lawsuit broke out, there was much information that Emma Stone and Emily Blunt – the two stars of Cruella and Jungle Cruise – were also considering suing Disney when the two actresses’ films were also released. released online on Disney+.

This surefire lawsuit forced Disney to change the contracts with its cast. Soon after, the announcement of the sequel to Cruella and Jungle Cruise was quickly confirmed by Disney.

Emma Stone and Emily Blunt also tried to sue Disney

Just two weeks after Johansson filed, Cruella 2 was given the green light. And a month later, Jungle Cruise 2 went into production. Although details about the negotiations between Disney and the cast are yet to be announced.

Both Cruella 2

But it is possible that Stone and Blunt “used” Johansson’s lawsuit to pressure Disney, to their own advantage. And as expected, it seems that Stone and Blunt have received a new contract, more beneficial for the two actresses when the next 2 projects can be released on Disney+.

And Jungle Cruise 2 has both been given the “green light” to continue producing the second part

In June, Johansson is expected to star and executive produce in Disney’s upcoming film, Tower Of Terror. But when the legal procedures were initiated, there were rumors that the project was “dead”. In a recent statement released by the Marvel actress, Johansson gushed, “I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done together over the years and have enjoyed our creative relationship.” mine with Disney”.

The Tower Of Terror project also continues to survive

Johansson added that Johansson will continue to be an active Disney companion going forward. Meanwhile, Alan Bergman – president of content at Disney Studios – appreciated Johansson’s “iconic” role in building the success of the MCU.

And Disney keeps this talent too

Besides, Alan Bergman also predicts “will work together on a number of upcoming projects, including Tower Of Terror”. Perhaps a blessing for both parties, the deal means Disney will retain one of its best and highest-earning talents.

Opportunity to test Disney+ Premier Access

The Black Widow incident also caused Disney to think about the form of releasing its projects, especially MCU films. CEO Bob Chapek announced that Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings and subsequent titles will be released exclusively in theaters for 45 days before moving to streaming on Disney+.

Thanks to Black Widow, Shang-Chi was also able to say no to a combined release

Bob Chapek attributed the decision to last-minute changes, even calling it “an interesting experiment”. Johansson’s lawsuit appears to have “urged” Disney to change its distribution strategy to avoid conflicts with its actors over other issues related to streaming.

It cannot be denied that Disney+ is a smart choice for entertainment during this pandemic season

Fortunately for Disney, despite growing concerns over the COVID situation and limited theaters globally, Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings still performed excellently at the box office, collecting about 75 million USD after just the first 3 days of release.

The legal spat between Disney and Johansson is just one of many contract disputes in Hollywood, with most cases being resolved before the actual hearings begin. Finally, Disney has emerged from the legal dispute against Johansson. And this lawsuit is a reminder that the path to peace or litigation is up to the studios to decide, and to respect the efforts of the actors who have “joined” and devoted themselves to the company.