Hollywood industry had long resonated with the name Scarlett Johansson, an actress whose mesmerizing performances, particularly as Black Widow in Marvel films, had cheered audiences across the globe. However, the 38-year-old journey took an unexpected turn as she found herself involved in a high-profile legal battle for fair compensation. Benedict Cumberbatch a friend and fellow performer, publicly expressed his deep sorrow and understanding for Johansson’s struggles.
Scarlett Johansson’s Lawsuit Experience Was Full Of Complexities
Scarlett Johansson, the respected actress renowned for her remarkable performances, found herself entangled in a legal battle that had captivated the entertainment industry.
Johansson had filed the lawsuit in response to Disney’s release strategy for Black Widow, which had been part of the studio’s lucrative Marvel franchise. The movie had been simultaneously released in theaters and on streaming, a move that produced mixed results.
She had sued Disney, alleging breach of contract and claiming that the simultaneous release had diverted viewers from theaters and affected her earnings.
In her lawsuit, the Avengers: Endgame star had also accused Disney of intentionally releasing the movie on streaming to benefit its financial interests. It stated,
“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.”
Disney had responded to the lawsuit with a statement denying any merit to the claims and expressing disappointment over the disregard for the global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, the lawsuit eventually reached a settlement with The Walt Disney Company (DIS) regarding Johansson’s salary from the film.
Throughout the ordeal, numerous actors united in support of the actress, including Benedict Cumberbatch, who shared his views on the matter.
Benedict Cumberbatch Broke His Silence On Scarlett Johansson’s Feud With Disney
Benedict Cumberbatch, best known for his role as Doctor Strange in the MCU, opened up about the legal battle between Johansson and Disney.
The case, which began in late July, saw the actress claiming a loss of up to $50 million in bonuses due to the movie’s non-exclusive theatrical release. Cumberbatch shared his thoughts on the matter, offering a balanced response to the ongoing dispute.
He expressed sadness over the situation, highlighting the contentious language and accusations being thrown around. He said,
“It’s sad what’s going on between the lawyers. Just the verbiage and the accusations of, Put it in a global pandemic context. The whole thing’s just a bit of a mess.”
Referring to the global pandemic context, he remarked that the whole situation had become quite messy. The 46-year-old also addressed the broader issue of compensation in the movie industry, particularly during challenging times.
He emphasized the need for a well-defined solution that ensures fair payment for artists who contribute to the billion-dollar business that companies like Disney operate in.
According to him, it is crucial to establish clear contractual agreements that recognize the significant role artists play in the success of films.
Source: THR
