Earlier, we reported that “Black Widow” star Scarlett Johansson had filed a lawsuit against Disney over the film’s release. Disney has responded to the lawsuit publicly, according to Variety.
The lawsuit alleges that by releasing the film on Disney+ simultaneously with the theatrical release, “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.”
“There is no merit whatsoever to this filing,” said the statement by Disney. “The lawsuit is especially sad and distressing in its callous disregard for the horrific and prolonged global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Disney went on to say that Scarlett Johansson has already made $20 million from the film and stands to earn more through the digital release. They also deny any breach of contract.
Big news coming out of the film industry today… and it involves a lawsuit again Disney. Marvel’s newest film, Black Widow, recently debuted on both Disney+ Premier Access and in theaters on the same day. Now, the star of the film, Black Widow herself – Scarlett Johansson – is suing Disney for breach of contract. Apparently, the simultaneous release of the film in theaters and on Disney+ was not part of the originally plan.
As reported by Wall Street Journal: Scarlett Johansson, star of the latest Marvel movie “Black Widow,” filed a lawsuit Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court against Disney, alleging her contract was breached when the media giant released the film on its Disney+ streaming service at the same time as its theatrical debut. Ms. Johansson said in the suit that her agreement with Disney’s Marvel Entertainment guaranteed an exclusive theatrical release, and her salary was based in large part on the box-office performance of the film. “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,” the suit 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,” said John Berlinski, an attorney at Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP who represents Ms. Johansson. According to the complaint, Ms. Johansson’s representatives sought to renegotiate her contract after learning of the dual-release strategy for “Black Widow,” which she has said is her ninth and last Marvel movie. Disney and Marvel were unresponsive, the suit said. The decision to put the movie on Disney+ is projected to cost Ms. Johansson more than $50 million, a person familiar with details of her contract claimed.
An upcoming episode of “Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian” on Disney+ will explore the technology used to bring young Luke Skywalker back to screens. Read more below and watch the special episode on August 25.
In last year’s Season 2 finale of “Star Wars: The Mandalorian,” the appearance of a young Luke Skywalker was one of the biggest reveals and best-kept secrets of the acclaimed show thus far. Reactions to the episode were emotionally charged for many, deeply resonating with generations of fans who were elated to see the Jedi Master in his post-Return of the Jedi prime. The story of the cutting-edge technology used to bring Luke back is the subject of a special extra episode of “Disney Gallery: Star Wars: The Mandalorian,” debuting August 25 on Disney+.
“Making of the Season 2 Finale” is a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this celebrated chapter of “The Mandalorian,” with a focus on the technology used for recreating Luke Skywalker. It delves into the collaborative process, including working with Mark Hamill, to create an authentic and fitting recreation, and explores the immense pressure and responsibility the filmmakers had in bringing back one of the most important characters in film history.
The Television Academy recognized the second season of “The Mandalorian” earlier today with 24 Emmy award nominations, including Best Drama Series.
“Disney Gallery: Star Wars: The Mandalorian – Making of the Season 2 Finale” will premiere on August 25 exclusively on Disney+.
A new series is coming to Disney+! Get ready to take a peek ‘behind the curtain’ of the most beloved attractions and destinations at Disney Parks and Resorts around the world, from Jungle Cruise to “it’s a small world” to the Haunted Mansion to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. And now, we’re excited to share, Disney has launched the trailer for this highly anticipated film!
As shared by Disney: “Behind the Attraction” is a 10-part series narrated by Paget Brewster that delves into Disney Parks’ rich, amazing history using archival and never-before-seen footage and photographs to unveil how the attractions came to be and how they’ve been refined over the years as new ideas surface and technology evolves. Hear the unique story behind each Castle at the Parks and learn how Disney Imagineers designed and built them and discover the intricacies of the transportation systems at each park, and how the iconic Disneyland Hotel came to be. Including rare interviews with Walt Disney, each episode also features exclusive interviews with Disney Legends and dozens of past and present Imagineers, including Bob Weis, Jeanette Lomboy, Kim Irvine, Scott Trowbridge, Tom Fitzgerald, Scot Drake, Carmen Smith, Joe Rohde, and others who divulge insider secrets of the parks and how iconic Disney attractions were brought to life.”
A little bit of humor mixed in with the facts… we’re loving it! Who else is ready to go “Behind The Attraction”?! The Disney+ Original Series from executive producers Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Brian Volk-Weiss will begin streaming the first five episodes July 21 on Disney+.
The nominations for the 73rd Emmy Awards have been released, and “WandaVision” is up for a grand total of 23 nominations. The Disney+ original series came in third place for the highest amount of nominations, with “The Mandalorian” coming ahead along with “The Crown” at 24 nominations each.
The 73rd Emmy Awards will be broadcast live Sunday, September 19 on CBS and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+. Cedric the Entertainer will host this year’s event.
