Why Did Scarlett Johansson Sue Disney? The Legal Battle Behind ‘Black Widow’s’ Streaming Release!

Scarlett Johansson, one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars thanks to her role as Natasha Romanoff in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), found herself in an unexpected legal battle with Disney over the release of Black Widow—her long-awaited standalone film. The lawsuit, which emerged in the summer of 2021, shook the entertainment industry and raised questions about how major studios handle talent compensation in the age of streaming.

The Context: Profit Participation and Contractual Expectations

Johansson’s involvement in the MCU was always more than just acting. Her character, Black Widow, became an integral part of the franchise, appearing in nine MCU films. Thanks to profit participation deals, Johansson’s earnings from the series were substantial, particularly when blockbuster films like Avengers: Endgame raked in billions at the box office. By 2019, Johansson’s income from these films was estimated to be around $56 million, a sum that placed her among the highest-paid actors in the industry.

However, Black Widow, which was initially set for a theatrical release in May 2020, became a casualty of the pandemic, like many other major films. Delayed to July 2021, it was no longer just a theatrical release. Instead, Disney opted for a hybrid model, releasing it simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+ via Premier Access, a streaming service with an additional surcharge. This move, according to Johansson, significantly affected the box office earnings she was contractually entitled to.

The Lawsuit: Breach of Contract

Under the terms of Johansson’s contract with Disney and Marvel, she was entitled to a percentage of Black Widow‘s box office earnings. The decision to release the film on Disney+ at an additional cost, bypassing the traditional box office route, directly impacted her potential earnings. She filed a lawsuit against Disney the month the film was released, arguing that the studio violated her contract by opting for a simultaneous streaming release without renegotiating her terms.

The dispute became more contentious when Disney responded by accusing Johansson of showing “a callous disregard for the horrific and prolonged global effects” of the pandemic. The studio also publicly revealed that Johansson had already received a $20 million upfront payment, which many saw as an attempt to downplay her grievances.

The Industry’s Reaction and the Fallout

While it’s true that Johansson’s claim centered on a potentially multi-million-dollar loss, which may seem trivial when compared to the average person’s earnings, the case highlighted a deeper issue: the evolving relationship between talent and streaming platforms. Disney’s decision to release Black Widow on Disney+ not only affected Johansson’s compensation but also signaled a shift in how studios planned to handle box office-driven deals in the streaming era.

Many industry colleagues came to Johansson’s defense, arguing that Disney had made a poor decision by not honoring the terms of her contract. Some critics saw the studio’s public attacks on Johansson as an unfair tactic, possibly even tinged with misogyny, as they attempted to shift the blame onto the actress rather than taking responsibility for a contractual breach.

Ultimately, the matter was settled out of court, with Johansson receiving the additional compensation she believed she was owed. However, the incident left a sour taste, as Disney’s reputation took a hit, with many questioning the studio’s handling of talent relations.

Has Scarlett Johansson Worked with Disney Since the Lawsuit?

Following the settlement, Johansson’s relationship with Disney remained strained, particularly when it came to appearing in front of the camera. However, she has maintained a connection with the studio, albeit in a more behind-the-scenes capacity. Johansson, who executive produced Black Widow, retained her credit for Thunderbolts, a 2025 Marvel project featuring Florence Pugh’s character, Yelena Belova.

In terms of future on-screen roles, Johansson has yet to appear in any Disney projects since the legal battle. However, in 2021, prior to the lawsuit’s onset, Johansson was tapped to star in and produce Disney’s Tower of Terror, a film based on the theme park attraction. While the project was initially thought to be jeopardized by the lawsuit, Johansson confirmed in late 2023 that the film was still in development. Yet, as of now, there has been little movement on Tower of Terror, leaving the project’s fate uncertain.

Looking Ahead

While the legal wrangling over Black Widow has been resolved, Johansson’s relationship with Disney remains complicated. The lawsuit raised important questions about how the industry will navigate contracts and compensation in the age of streaming, where box office earnings are no longer the sole metric for success. Johansson’s case serves as a cautionary tale for talent, reminding them of the power studios wield in the evolving landscape—and the importance of ensuring contracts reflect that shift.

Though Johansson continues to forge ahead with her career, the lawsuit against Disney stands as a defining moment in her professional journey, showing that even the highest-paid actors must fight for their fair share in an increasingly digital world.