Scarlett Johansson ‘could win $50M’ from her lawsuit against Disney over Black Widow streaming release, lawyer claims

A TOP legal expert said that Scarlett Johansson could win $50million in her lawsuit against Disney over Black Widow’s streaming release.  

The 36-year-old star sent shock waves through the movie industry when it was revealed she is suing Disney for an alleged breach of contract because her deal was for an exclusive theatrical release for the film, according to Wall Street Journal. 

Bryan Konoski of Konoski and Partners explained to The Sun “if the terms of her contract said the film would have an exclusive theatrical release, then yes, she has the basis to sue.” 

The lawyer said: “If her salary is going to be based largely off of box office sales and rollout- then she has a good faith argument here. 

“She shouldn’t be forced to take less money than they've contractually agreed upon. If Disney's in the wrong- they need to pay up.” 

He added that unless there was a term in the contract, such an act if God or if the contract was revised in light of the pandemic, Scarlett is well within her rights to pursue the action. 

The expert also noted that suing Disney does not reflect poorly on the actress and it shouldn’t inhibit her from being offered roles in the future. 

“She is Scarlett Johansson, she is amazing. Nobody's going to pause to work with her, and she shouldn’t be bullied either,” he added. 

The actress claimed in her suit that Disney releasing the movie on its streaming service at the same time as its theater release will likely cost her $50million in profit. 

DISNEY REACTS

Hitting back, Disney said in a statement: "The lawsuit is especially sad and distressing in its callous disregard for the horrific and prolonged global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic."

They went on to argue that the actress has "already received" $20 million for her work on the film, MailOnline reports. 

The corporation alleged: "Disney has fully complied with Ms. Johansson's contract. 

"Furthermore, the release of Black Widow on Disney+ with Premier Access has significantly enhanced her ability to earn additional compensation on top of the $20M she has received to date." 

Johansson claimed Disney's move will likely cost her more than $50million in profit. 

Black Widow was released in both theaters and on Disney+ on July 9. 

The suit, according to the Journal, alleged: “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." 

A large portion of the actress' salary for Black Widow was reportedly based on its box office revenue. 

John Berlinski, a lawyer who represents Scarlett 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." 

Originally set to be released in theaters in May 2020, the movie was delayed multiple times due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Eventually, Disney settled on its July 9 date, then choosing to debut it on its streaming platform at the same time, as well. 

The lawsuit claimed Disney was more focused on growing its subscription service and stock than honoring its contract with Scarlett. 

Both Disney and Marvel were allegedly "unresponsive" when Scarlett and her team looked to renegotiate her contract upon the decision to release her movie in theaters and on streaming. 

The actress stars as Natasha Romanoff in the Marvel flick, reprising her role from previous films in the MCU, including Iron Man 2, Captain America: Civil War, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and Avengers: Endgame. 

Despite her character being killed off in Avengers: Endgame, she reprised her role in Black Widow, which took place at an earlier time, to give the character's origin story. 

Outside of the Marvel franchise, she has also starred in Her, Lost in Translation, Ghost World, Home Alone 3, and was the voice of Mindy in The SpongeBob Squarepants Movie. 

Her movies have grossed over $14.3 billion worldwide, according to Celebrity Net Worth. 

As of 2020, Scarlett has an estimated net worth of $165million. 

Along with being a successful actress, Scarlett is also a wife and mother. 

She has been married to Saturday Night Live star Colin Jost since 2020, and the couple announced earlier this month that they're expecting their first child together, sharing the baby is "due soon." 

While this will be Colin's first child, Scarlett has a daughter from her previous marriage to Romain Dauriac.