Reflecting on Scarlett Johansson’s landmark lawsuit against Disney for simultaneous streaming of Black Widow, which altered Hollywood’s release strategies and contractual norms.

In a move that reverberated across Hollywood, Scarlett Johansson took a bold stand against the Walt Disney Company back in July 2021. Johansson, starring in and executive producing Black Widow, initiated a lawsuit over Disney’s decision to release the movie simultaneously in theaters and on their streaming platform, Disney+. This decision, Johansson argued, breached her contract and significantly impacted her earnings, which were partially dependent on box office performance.

Scarlett Johansson in Marriage Story (2019) (Source: IMDb)
Black Widow opened to a staggering $80 million at the box office, a record during the coronavirus pandemic. However, the numbers plummeted soon after, with industry observers citing the simultaneous streaming release as a key factor. The traditional exclusive theatrical release, a norm in the industry, was under threat as more movies, like Pixar’s Soul, were taking the direct-to-streaming route or, like WarnerMedia’s тιтles, were being released on streaming services and in cinemas at the same time.
 

Scarlett Johansson (Source: The New York Times)
Boldly highlighted in Johansson’s complaint was the failed attempt to renegotiate her contract with Disney and Marvel, as they remained unresponsive. Disney’s stance, claiming full compliance with her contract, sparked a debate in the industry about the fairness of streaming releases and their impact on contractual agreements. Johansson’s lawsuit brought to light the need for renegotiation and adaptation in contracts to align with the evolving landscape of movie releases.

This legal battle was not just about a single movie or contract. It symbolized a pivotal moment in Hollywood, challenging long-standing release practices and pushing for more equitable treatment of talent in the streaming era. As we look back today, it’s evident that Johansson’s actions catalyzed significant changes in how movie deals are structured, especially during unpredictable times like a global pandemic.

Disney’s response, highlighting Johansson’s $20 million earnings and the additional compensation opportunities from streaming, failed to quell the controversy. Instead, it ignited a broader conversation about the value of digital releases versus traditional box office earnings. Johansson’s bold move opened doors for other artists to renegotiate their contracts, ensuring fair compensation in an industry rapidly pivoting towards digital platforms.