For a whole decade, Scarlett Johansson played a significant role as one of the founding members of the Avengers in the incredibly successful Marvel Cinematic Universe. She initially caught attention in the film industry when she appeared at the young age of 14 in The Man Who Whispered Horses (1998). From there, Johansson went on to work with renowned directors such as Woody Allen and Christopher Nolan in films like Match Point, Scoop, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, and The Prestige. However, it was her portrayal of Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow, in Iron Man 2 that truly skyrocketed her career and cemented her place in the MCU alongside Robert Downey Jr. Sadly, her character met a heartbreaking fate in Avengers Endgame (2019). Nevertheless, Johansson had the rare opportunity to bid farewell to her beloved character in the standalone film Black Widow, which aired on Monday, November 27, 2023, at 9:25 p.m. on TMC. However, not all farewells were as smooth behind the scenes as one would hope…
A Heated Dispute Worth $40 Million
In the midst of the pandemic, with its release date set for July 7, 2021 (July 9 in the United States), the film faces an intricate situation. However, the complications do not end there. Scarlett Johansson takes legal action against Disney in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. The basis of her lawsuit? The renowned studio, known for its iconic mouse logo, unexpectedly decides to release Black Widow simultaneously on its streaming platform. This decision, unfortunately, directly contradicts the terms of the actress’ contract, which explicitly stated an exclusive theatrical release. Amazingly, just two months later, the tenacious 38-year-old emerges victorious from the battle, securing a colossal settlement of approximately $40 million.
Scarlett Johansson expressed her feelings of sorrow and letdown.
Scarlett Johansson recently revisited the incident in a candid interview with Variety, showing her lack of resentment towards the situation. Reflecting on that time, she expressed her sadness and disappointment, although the prevailing emotion was disappointment. The circumstances were surreal, with everyone in lockdown, and Johansson herself being pregnant, which was surprisingly well-timed. She found solace in focusing on the miracle of life growing inside her, allowing it to serve as a welcome distraction from the controversy. Shortly after, she welcomed a beautiful baby into her life. Amidst the chaos, Johansson discovered a silver lining in the whole ordeal. People recognized her struggle and stood by her, even strangers who had no personal connection to the matter. The unwavering support she received from unexpected sources truly made an impact on her, as she interacted with individuals who encouraged her to stand up for herself whenever she walked into a restaurant.
