Disney vs. Scarlett Johansson: Group names complaint because of "Black Widow" "unfounded"

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Scene from »Black Widow«

Photo: Marvel Studios / AP

In the dispute over the publication of the film "Black Widow" the Disney group reacted and rejected the allegations of actress Scarlett Johannson.

In a statement, the company described the action brought by the leading actress as "unfounded".

The contractual requirements have been adhered to exactly, according to Disney.

With the release of the film on the in-house streaming platform Disney + Johannsons "opportunities for additional income above the already received 20 million US dollars have increased significantly."

The actress sees this very differently and has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles for breach of contract.

The simultaneous start in the cinema and on Disney + violated contractual agreements, the Hollywood star claims.

She has been promised an exclusive film release on the screen, her earnings are based on the cinema revenues.

The group wants to enrich itself at their expense and strengthen the streaming service.

The Wall Street Journal reported on the case first.

Good start - then the numbers went down

"Black Widow" was released on July 9th in US cinemas and at the same time on Disney + (for a surcharge on subscription).

Johansson had previously played the "Black Widow" character from the Marvel universe several times, but this was her first solo film about the combative agent.

The film, directed by Australian Cate Shortland, tells the story of Natasha Romanoff, a spy known as the Black Widow.

The film had seen a significant slump after a strong $ 80 million start in the US market.

According to insiders, streaming revenue was around $ 60 million at the start.

More and more studios are adopting the new marketing strategy of bringing out films simultaneously on the screen and via streaming.

It used to take weeks or months for a film to be available on home screens after it opened in theaters.

jok / Reuters