Avengers: Endgame co-director Joe Russo is speaking out against Disney for their Black Widow lawsuit and criticizing the studio for their "disturbing" treatment of Scarlett Johansson. The Oscar nominee enjoyed a storied tenure within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, having made her debut as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow in Iron Man 2 as a supporting character before becoming a main character in her own right with The Avengers. Johansson would carry her role of Black Widow on through nine films in the MCU, culminating in 2021's Black Widow telling her origin story and acting as a sendoff for the character after her death in Avengers: Endgame.
As the COVID-19 pandemic shut down theaters around the globe, Disney elected to opt for a simultaneous theatrical and streaming release for Black Widow, which in turn sparked Johansson to file a lawsuit against the studio for a breach in contract that would prevent her from receiving additional box office profits. The lawsuit would become a point of infamy in Hollywood as it endured for two months, with Disney issuing statements criticizing Johansson for looking over the ongoing pandemic while Johansson and various industry insiders argued the House of Mouse was making character attacks on the actress. Johansson and Disney would eventually come to an undisclosed resolution in September, with the two also agreeing to continue working on a new Tower of Terror film and a top-secret Marvel Studios project not tied to Black Widow.
While speaking with Den of Geek for his upcoming Netflix movie The Gray Man, Joe Russo opened up about Scarlett Johansson's infamous lawsuit against Disney over Black Widow. The Avengers: Endgame director criticized Disney for their handling of the situation and treatment of the actress herself, calling it "disturbing." See what Russo said below:
"That was really not an appropriate way for [Disney] to handle that situation. It was disturbing to us as artists. Scarlett is a good friend of ours, and we were disheartened by how it was handled. We’re glad it’s resolved."
This isn't the first time Avengers: Endgame director Joe Russo has shared his thoughts on the Black Widow lawsuit, having discussed the matter shortly after its conclusion and believing Johansson's efforts led to many major corporations panicking and having to adjust their business models. Russo wasn't the only major Hollywood creative who has spoken out in Johansson's defense for her Black Widow lawsuit, with fellow MCU star Elizabeth Olsen praising Johansson for her tough decision to bring the lawsuit forward. Dune director Denis Villeneuve also supported her desire for a theatrical exclusive release and Don't Look Up star Jennifer Lawrence called her battle with Disney "brave."
Despite the heated nature of their conflict, Johansson and Disney's Black Widow lawsuit seemingly came to an amicable end. Not only was it confirmed she would continue work on the new Tower of Terror movie, which was reportedly part of her settlement agreement, and a top-secret Marvel project, but Johansson has also confirmed she is open to working with Disney on more future projects, citing the "creative relationship" she has had with the studio over the years. While audiences await future word on Johansson and Disney's ongoing partnerships, they can revisit all of Johansson's MCU tenure streaming on Disney+ now.
Source: Den of Geek
