Scarlett Johansson Hopes Lawsuit Had “Positive Impact”
On November 18th, American Cinematheque honored Scarlett Johansson with the 35th Annual American Cinematheque Award for making a significant contribution to the art of film, making the Black Widow actress the youngest honoree since Nicole Kidman in 2003. The award ceremony was also Johansson’s first major red carpet appearance since the 2020 Academy Awards, so reporters took the opportunity to ask about her lawsuit against Disney for alleged breach of contract. In response, the actress said that she hoped it had “a positive impact” on the industry as a whole.
Johansson and Disney Settle Lawsuit
In July 2021, Johansson filed a lawsuit against The Walt Disney Company, alleging that the studio violated the terms of the contract when it opted to release the Marvel title day-and-date in theaters and on its streaming platform Disney+. The actress sought a $50 million payout from the studio. But in September 2021, the parties reached a settlement agreement, the terms of which were not publicly disclosed.
Scarlett Johansson and Jeremy Renner speak onstage during the 35th Annual American Cinematheque Awards Honoring Scarlett Johansson at The Beverly Hilton on November 18, 2021. Photo: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for American Cinematheque
At the time of the agreement, Johansson said, “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.”
In response, Disney Studios Content Chairman Alan Bergman said he was happy the dispute resolved amicably. “I’m very pleased that we have been able to come to a mutual agreement with Scarlett Johansson regarding Black Widow,” he said in a statement. “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.”
Emilia Clarke, Alan F. Horn, Chairman of Walt Disney Studios, and Alan Bergman, President, The Walt Disney Studios attend the premiere of Disney Pictures and Lucasfilm’s “Solo: A Star Wars Story” at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California. Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images North America
However, due to the bitter nature of the lawsuit and the fiery public statements made by the studio and by Johansson’s longtime agent, CAA’s Bryan Lourd, many were wondering about the current nature of the relationship between the actress and Disney.
Johansson Hopes Lawsuit Had “Positive Impact”
When asked about the lawsuit on the American Cinematheque red carpet, Johansson told The Hollywood Reporter that deciding to sue Disney was not an easy decision to make, nor an easy moment in her life.
Photo: Marvel Studios
“It was a very surreal time because, of course, the film had come out and was hugely successful and that was a big celebration,” the actress explained to the interviewer. “I feel mostly very fortunate that nobody will have to go through what I went through and that it’s made, I think, a positive impact in the industry and hopefully for artists and creatives’ lives and livelihood.”
She continued on with praise for Marvel and Disney, “I have had some of the best times of my career working for both of those studios.” Eleven years of Johansson’s career were spent at Marvel, where she has played the super spy Natasha Romanoff for eight films.
Photo: Marvel Studios
“I feel really excited that I get to continue my work with Disney and with my Marvel family,” the actress added, reconfirming her commitment to upcoming projects with each studio. She told THR that she’s “already in the thick of it” for Tower of Terror and “some other projects that we’re working on,” including something Marvel-related.
Kevin Feige and Scarlett Johansson attend the Los Angeles World Premiere of Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Endgame” at the Los Angeles Convention Center on April 23, 2019. Photo: Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Disney
Marvel Studios Head Boss Kevin Feige also confirmed that Johansson’s not done with the MCU. But, at the moment, details about this “top-secret” Marvel project are scarce.
Featured Image: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for American Cinematheque
