Actor Jennifer Lawrence praised Scarlett Johansson's lawsuit against Disney regarding Marvel Studios' Black Widow.
During an interview with Vanity Fair, Lawrence used the lawsuit as an example of a professional woman's worth being owned by her. "I thought that was extremely brave," she said. "If two parties understand how a movie is going to be released, and then it turns out that one of the parties did not agree to that, that's unfair. She was also crowning! She was giving birth."
The lawsuit from Johansson began in July over Black Widow's release, which occurred both in theaters and on Disney+ Premier Access. According to the lawsuit, Marvel Entertainment said that Black Widow would be released exclusively in theaters, with its performance at the box office being the basis for Johansson's salary. However, the hybrid release decreased kneecaped Johnasson's payday, leading to the actor suing Disney over breach of contract.
"These films were conceived during a time when…we certainly didn't know about COVID," Disney CEO Bob Chapek said in defense of the release strategy. "Just like what we've done many times before, we've found ways to fairly compensate our talent so that, no matter what, everyone feels satisfied."
In September, Johansson and Disney settled the lawsuit, with fellow Marvel film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings reportedly playing a part in the decision. "I am happy to have resolved our differences with Disney," Johansson stated. "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."
"I'm very pleased that we have been able to come to a mutual agreement with Scarlett Johansson regarding Black Widow," Disney Studios Chairman Alan Bergman added. "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."
Lawrence isn't the only actor to side with Johansson, as Jamie Lee Curtis and Johansson's Marvel Cinematic Universe co-star Elizabeth Olsen similarly sided with the Black Widow star. Additionally, it was revealed that Marvel Studios President/Marvel CCO Kevin Feige opposed the release strategy, as it would have disrupted the MCU's TV show and film schedules. Feige also recently revealed that Johansson is working with Marvel Studios on an unnamed, non-Black Widow-centric project as a producer.
Black Widow is currently streaming on Disney+.
Source: Vanity Fair