
Marvel Studios’ Phase 4 streaming lineup was a huge success in 2021. However, the cinematic aspect of things really hasn’t gone over as well in comparison to other MCU eras. Phase 4’s first film Black Widow debuted in cinemas and through Premier Access on Disney+ at the very same time at the beginning of July 2021. Unfortunately due to the on-going global pandemic, they had to use a different release plan. While the film had the anticipated effect on the MCU’s overarching narrative, things took a bad turn because of these unexpected events.
Scarlett Johansson launched a complaint against Disney in late July. The actress alleged that the studio mishandled revenues from the film’s simultaneous release. This ultimately set off a chain reaction of emotions among those involved. Kevin Feige, Marvel’s president, and many MCU actors publicly and privately supported Johansson’s claim that she deserved a better contract. Even the Russo Brothers, who directed Avengers: Endgame, reportedly put a halt to future project discussions with Marvel Studios to express their support for Johansson. After 2 months of intense turmoil, things have finally calmed down between the two.
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Scarlett Johansson and Walt Disney Studios have settled their breach of contract lawsuit over Marvel Studios’ Black Widow, which Johansson had filed. The specifics of the transaction have not been made public. As reported by Aaron Couch, Scarlett Johansson issued a statement praising the outcome and expressing gratitude to Disney. Johansson expressed her enthusiasm about the prospect of working with Disney for “years to come.” This is what the actress said;
Johansson statement: “I am happy to have resolved our differences with Disney. I'm incredibly proud of the work we've done together over the years and have greatly enjoyed my creative relationship with the team. I look forward to continuing our collaboration in years to come.” https://t.co/xCFxG3asTy
— Aaron Couch (@AaronCouch) September 30, 2021
“I am happy to have resolved our differences with Disney. I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done together over the years and have greatly enjoyed my creative relationship with the team. I look forward to continuing our collaboration in years to come.”
Chairman of Disney Studios Content Alan Bergman’s remark expressed his appreciation for the settlement of the problem through Variety. The Lucy actress’ “contributions to Marvel Cinematic Universe” were lauded, and he expressed excitement about working with her on future projects. Here’s what Bergman said;
“I’m very pleased that we have been able to come to a mutual agreement with Scarlett Johansson regarding ‘Black Widow. We appreciate her contributions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And look forward to working together on a number of upcoming projects, including Disney’s ‘Tower of Terror.’”
This terrible disagreement between Scarlett Johansson and Disney has lasted for two painful months. During this time the two sides have taken public shots at one another on an almost weekly basis. While the dollar number is still unknown to the public, it seems that the two have settled their differences over the Black Widow release. Following this, the two parties are ready to go ahead from this point forward.
Nonetheless, Johansson’s public remark is surprising. However, it’s also intriguing that she’s open to working with the company again in the future. This deal leaves the door open for a possible comeback as Natasha Romanoff following her demise in Avengers: Endgame.
When asked about working with Scarlett Johansson in the months preceding up to the release of Black Widow, Kevin Feige said he is “excited to continue working with her in any way possible”. Now that the acrimonious lawsuit is over, it seems like Marvel Studios might get their way.
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