Scarlett Johansson Reflects On Black Widow Dispute With Disney: 'I Don't Hold A Grudge'

What’s done is done. Scarlett Johansson has asserted that she holds no grudge against Disney. Johansson notably sued the company over the day-and-date streaming debut of the standalone Marvel movie Black Widow in 2021. That shouldn’t be unexpected considering Johansson is still working for Disney and producing more content for the label. After Fly Me to the Moon opened in theatres for its second week, the actress was interviewed by The New York Times.

Johansson was candid while discussing her legal battle with Disney around the release of Black Widow. The parties initiated a legal battle when Disney chose to put out Black Widow in July 2021 during the pandemic in cinemas and on streaming via Disney+ Premier Access.

Johansson sued the company because transferring Black Widow to Disney+ would mean she would have to forfeit millions of dollars in backend income, as her contract required that the movie be released solely in theatres.

Johansson declared, “I don’t hold a grudge.” “I think it was just poor judgment and poor leadership at that time,” she added. The Her actress continued by saying that she found the whole thing to be “very unprofessional.” “And honestly, I was incredibly disappointed, especially because I was holding out hope until, finally, my team was like, ‘You have to act’, she further noted.”

In response to Johansson’s lawsuit, Disney revealed that she had been paid $20 million for Black Widow. The conglomerate further denounced her “callous disregard for the horrific and prolonged global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” which exacerbated the legal battle.

A significant impression also circulated that the company wouldn’t be as adamant in response if a male performer voiced the same grievances. Bob Chapek was the CEO of Disney at the time, and his management of the Black Widow litigation is one of the reasons his employment was terminated. Later on, Bob Iger came back as CEO.

As per Deadline, the parties reached a settlement wherein Johansson was awarded around $40 million. Johansson stated at the time that she was excited to collaborate with Disney on new projects for years to come. Johansson is reportedly set to star and produce the next Tower of Terror movie from Disney.