The Walt Disney Company and Scarlett Johansson, Marvel's star, have reached an agreement to settle the breach-of-contract lawsuit that the actor from "Black Widow" brought against the company in July.
The terms of the deal are not public.
"I'm very happy that we were able to reach a mutual understanding with Scarlett Johansson about 'Black Widow," stated Alan Bergman, Disney Studios chairman. "We are grateful for her contributions to Marvel Cinematic Universe, and we look forward to working with you on many upcoming projects including Disney's Tower of Terror."
Johansson claimed that Disney had violated Johansson’s contract when it released "Black Widow” on its streaming service Disney+ simultaneously with the film's theatrical debut. Johansson claimed that Disney had promised her a theatrical release and her salary was dependent on how well she did at the box office.
Johansson stated that she was happy to have found a solution for their differences with Disney. "I am incredibly proud of the work that we have done together over the years, and have greatly enjoyed our creative relationship. I look forward to continuing our cooperation in the years ahead."
Johansson's lawyers and Disney spent months throwing barbs at one another. Disney claimed that the actor was "callous disregard" for Covid-19's dangers to moviegoers and revealed publicly that she had been paid $20 million for it.
Johansson's lawyers claimed that Disney's comments were an attempt to portray Johansson as someone they and she know she is not.
This back-and-forth saw Jamie Lee Curtis and Blumhouse's Jason Blum, as well as Marvel's "WandaVision” star Elizabeth Olsen come to Johansson’s defense. In a public statement, even the Screen Actor's Guild president criticized Disney for "bullying Johansson".
Although it is not clear what Johansson was compensated in the settlement, the actress seems willing to forget about the lawsuit. Johansson will likely work with Disney to create the "Tower of Terror," a reboot of one of Disney’s most beloved attractions.
