Scarlett Johansson "Shocked" By Disney's Brutal Response To 'Black Widow' Lawsuit
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Featured Image Credit: Marvel Studios
Scarlett Johansson is reportedly shocked at Disney's fiery response to her breach of contract lawsuit.
The Black Widow star said in a court filing last week that Disney releasing her first solo Marvel movie on its streaming service and in theaters simultaneously was in breach of her contract. She alleges this could well cost her millions of dollars in backend compensation as a result of bonuses tied to certain box office targets.
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"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," the suit reads.
The House of Mouse was swift to respond, though it's fair to say the company's biting rebuttal took everybody slightly by surprise.
"There is no merit whatsoever to this filing," Disney fired back. "The lawsuit is especially sad and distressing in its callous disregard for the horrific and prolonged global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic."
Now, The Wrap has reported that Johansson was "shocked" by Disney's rebuttal to the lawsuit. The actor's team said that the surprisingly vitriolic tone of the statement, particularly its attempts to suggest she doesn't care about the pandemic, just don't sit right at all. Her people didn't elaborate much further than that, presumably for legal reasons.
Johansson isn't the only one unhappy with Disney over its handling of the lawsuit so far. Marvel Studios head honcho Kevin Feige is reported to be furious at the company.
Matthew Belloni, a former editor at The Hollywood Reporter wrote in his latest newsletter that Feige was "angry and embarrassed", and stands in support of Johansson.
"[Feige is] a company man, and prone to corporate showdowns or shouting matches. But I'm told he's angry and embarrassed," revealed Belloni. "He lobbied Disney against the day-and-date plan for Black Widow, preferring the big screen exclusivity and not wanting to upset his talent."
