Despite a lawsuit she filed against Disney and Marvel in late July, Scarlett Johansson continues to produce for the company. Johansson’s lawsuit against Disney was primarily based on the company’s decision to release Black Widow on Disney+ and in theaters simultaneously. Filming had to be constantly rescheduled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This, Disney feared, would deter fans from seeing the movie in the theater because of crowds. The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s lowest-grossing film, Black Widow, was released hybrid.
Johansson was not satisfied with the results. This meant that she would have missed out on bonuses based on the film’s box office success. Due to the simultaneous release of Black Widow on streaming and in theaters, she claims to have lost $50 million. Both she and the company fired at each other. Nonetheless, the conflict was resolved when Johansson received a $40 million settlement. Many of her peers in the film industry, including Jennifer Lawrence, praised her bravery in deciding to sue the company.
Disney Lawsuit Was Like A Family Feud
In an interview with Collider, Johansson revealed that she had been inspired to produce for Disney now that the feud has calmed down. She has recently been cast in the upcoming Tower of Terror film. ToT is a film adaptation of the Disney World ride. Also, Johansson discusses her past work in the film industry. Here she compares it to a “creative family” where everyone works together to get the job done. “It’s like a creative playground that’s just like a dream,” she says. ScarJo further reveals her desire to return to Marvel as a producer:
“I have worked for 30 years, which is insane when I say it out loud, but I think I just understand the efficiency of how productions run and how you thin the fat on a production and make things well oiled. I’ve learned that the fish rots from the head, which is very very true I think in any creative space, but particularly a production involves many hundreds of people and so yeah, just working with people that want to be there and all want to creatively contribute to the same kind of idea and building that kind of creative family I think is something I’m really excited about as I produce more and more things for other people.”
“As far as Marvel goes, it’s like working with family there. Marvel has some of the best IP ever and you can really dream big there and nothing’s ever off the table and you kind of throw all these blue-sky ideas around and see what sticks. It’s like a creative playground that’s just like a dream. Again, I have that shorthand with my fellow creatives there that come from being in the world for 10 years with those guys.”
The Future Seems Bright
After Kevin Feige voiced interest in working with Black Widow star Scarlett Johansson again, many have speculated about what she might be up to next in the MCU. Some think Johansson is working with Marvel to create an all-female Avengers team, even if they don’t include her. Others think Johansson is involved in producing a Yelena Belova feature film.
Disney and Johansson’s brief war of words was memorable, even if it only lasted a few days. She isn’t the only one who has tried to sue Disney for damages. For example, Emma Stone and Emily Blunt are considering suing Disney. They intended to do so over the release of Cruella de Vil and Jungle Cruise on Disney+ and in theaters on the same day, both of which followed a similar release style to Black Widow. Their considerations dwindled after the two films received sequel offers. Nonetheless, Johansson’s decision to put their old feud behind her and work on future projects is very welcome news.
