BLACK Widow actress Scarlett Johansson is suing Disney for releasing her new Marvel movie on its streaming service at the same time as its theater release.
The 36-year-old action star filed the suit on Thursday, claiming the move will likely cost her more than $50million in profit.
Scarlett’s alleged Disney in in breach of contract because her deal was for an exclusive theatrical release for the film, according to Wall Street Journal.
Black Widow released in both theaters and on Disney+ on July 9.
The suit, according to the outlet, alleged: “Disney intentionally induced Marvel’s breach of the agreement, without justification, in order to prevent Ms. Johansson from realizing the full benefit of her bargain with Marvel.”
A large portion of the actress’ salary for Black Widow was reportedly based on its box office revenue.
John Berlinski, a lawyer who represents Scarlett said: “This will surely not be the last case where Hollywood talent stands up to Disney and makes it clear that, whatever the company may pretend, it has a legal obligation to honor its contracts.”
Originally set to be released in theaters in May 2020, the movie was delayed multiple times due to the coronavirus pandemic.
DISNEY BECOMES ‘UNRESPONSIVE’
Eventually, Disney settled on its July 9 date, then choosing to debut it on its streaming platform at the same time, as well.
The lawsuit claimed Disney was more focused on growing its subscription service and stock than honoring its contract with Scarlett.
Both Disney and Marvel were allegedly “unresponsive” when Scarlett and her team looked to renegotiate her contract upon the decision to release her movie in theaters and on streaming.
After the movie star filed the suit, Disney clapped back and slammed the move as “sad” and “callous.”
In a statement on Thursday, the House Of Mouse said: “There is no merit whatsoever to this filing.
“The lawsuit is especially sad and distressing in its callous disregard for the horrific and prolonged global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
‘SAD AND CALLOUS LAWSUIT’
Additionally, they went on to argue Scarlett has “already received” $20 million for her work on the film.
“The release of Black Widow on Disney+ with Premier Access has significantly enhanced her ability to earn additional compensation on top of the $20M she has received to date,” they alleged.
The actress stars as Natasha Romanoff in the Marvel flick, reprising her role from previous films in the MCU, including Iron Man 2, Captain America: Civil War, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and Avengers: Endgame.
Despite her character being killed off in Avengers: Endgame, she reprised her role in Black Widow, which took place at an earlier time, to give the character’s origin story.
Outside of the Marvel franchise, she has also starred in Her, Lost in Translation, Ghost World, Home Alone 3, and was the voice of Mindy in The SpongeBob Squarepants Movie.
Her movies have grossed over $14.3 billion worldwide, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
As of 2020, Scarlett has an estimated net worth of $165million.
Along with being a successful actress, Scarlett is also a wife and mother.
She has been married to Saturday Night Live star Colin Jost since 2020, and the couple announced earlier this month that they’re expecting their first child together, sharing the baby is “due soon.”
While this will be Colin’s first child, Scarlett has a daughter from her previous marriage to Romain Dauriac.
Rose Dorothy Dauriac, 6, was born on August 30, 2014.
