The Walt Disney Company has responded to Scarlett Johansson's lawsuit, claiming that the dual-release strategy for "Black Widow" was necessary due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Johansson's attorneys argue that the release strategy breached her contract and deprived her of potential earnings.
The Walt Disney Company has filed a formal response to Scarlett Johansson's lawsuit, arguing that the dual-release strategy for "Black Widow" was a necessary measure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The response, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, outlines Disney's position that Johansson's contract was not breached and that the company acted reasonably under the circumstances.
Johansson filed a lawsuit against Disney in July, alleging that the company breached her contract by releasing "Black Widow" simultaneously in theaters and on the Disney+ streaming service. The actress claimed that the dual-release strategy deprived her of potential earnings from box office bonuses.
Scarlett Johansson's Lawsuit: Disney Fires Back, Citing COVID as Dual-Release Reason
In its response, Disney states that the COVID-19 pandemic created an unprecedented situation for the film industry. Theatrical closures and capacity restrictions made it impossible to rely solely on theatrical releases, forcing the company to explore alternative distribution methods.
Disney argues that the dual-release strategy was the best way to maximize revenue for "Black Widow" and for Johansson. The company claims that the film performed well under the circumstances, grossing over $379 million worldwide.
Scarlett Johansson's Lawsuit: Disney Fires Back, Citing COVID as Dual-Release Reason
Johansson's attorneys, Sarah Gounder and Bob Bianchi, contend that Disney's response is an attempt to deflect blame. They argue that the company had ample time to prepare for the pandemic and that the dual-release strategy was a unilateral decision that violated Johansson's contract.
The attorneys also point out that Disney's own projections indicate that "Black Widow" could have performed even better had it been released exclusively in theaters. They argue that Johansson has been deprived of millions of dollars in potential earnings as a result of Disney's actions.
Scarlett Johansson's Lawsuit: Disney Fires Back, Citing COVID as Dual-Release Reason
The legal battle between Johansson and Disney is likely to continue for some time. The outcome of the case could have implications for the future of streaming and its impact on actors' contracts.
Colin Jost, the husband of Scarlett Johansson, has revealed that he does not get jealous when he sees his wife kissing her male co-stars on-screen. In an interview with the New York Times, Jost explained that watching a previous montage of Johansson kissing her male co-stars allowed him to be at ease while seeing her kissing scenes with Channing Tatum in their new film, "Fly Me to the Moon."
Scarlett Johansson's Lawsuit: Disney Fires Back, Citing COVID as Dual-Release Reason
"When Scarlett won the American Cinematheque Award, we were there and one of the things that night was a whole montage of kisses," Jost told the outlet. "I was like: 'OK, there you go. I’m glad someone put it together in one package.'"
Jost noted that if he did get jealous seeing Johansson and Tatum kiss on the big screen, he'd "be in trouble."
Scarlett Johansson's Lawsuit: Disney Fires Back, Citing COVID as Dual-Release Reason
Both Jost and Johansson spoke to the outlet about the newly released film in which the comedian makes a cameo appearance. When the New York Times told Jost that his wife considers their relationship to be "a delicate ecosystem," he replied, "She was just filming ‘Jurassic Park,’ so she’s thinking of everything in terms of delicate ecosystems."
Johansson and Tatum star in "Fly Me to the Moon," a film based on the 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing. According to Jost, his wife does "normal stuff" when she is not on a movie set.
"She goes to the supermarket. She’s just very good at wearing a hat, and she keeps moving," he explained. "She is able to stay a little under the radar, but she’s able to do all these everyday things and enjoy them, too."
Jost emphasized that Johansson is "a great mom."
Johansson and Jost, a comedian and writer best known for his work on "Saturday Night Live," tied the knot in October 2020. In August 2021, the couple welcomed their first son, Cosmo.
The Marvel actress was previously married to actor Ryan Reynolds from 2008 to 2011 and French journalist Romain Dauriac from 2014 to 2017. Dauriac and Johansson share a 6-year-old daughter, Rose. This is Jost's first marriage.
Johansson previously gushed about Jost's marriage proposal. "He did [do it in a romantic way. He killed it," she told Ellen DeGeneres in 2019. "It was a very James Bond situation. It was surprising. He's got a lot behind that ["Saturday Night Live"] news desk he's hiding."
"He's very charming and very thoughtful and romantic," the actress added. "I was surprised, even if you imagine what that moment is going to be like, it's still, it's a beautiful moment. It was very personal. It was a very special moment, and I think more than anything, when someone tells you they want to share the rest of their life with you, it's a lovely, special thing."
