Scarlett Johansson was shocked about Disney's response to her lawsuit against the studio over the release of Black Widow. Last week, it was announced that Johansson is suing Disney over Black Widow's debut on Disney+. The actress claims loss of pay on the backend, which is when a performer gets a percentage of their salary dependent on the box office gross of the film. Black Widow grossed $60 million from Disney+ alone during its opening weekend in theaters against an $80 million domestic haul in theaters.

Disney responded to Johansson's Black Widow lawsuit with a scathing statement, pointing out the actress' up front salary of $20 million. To many, the statement also seemed to imply that Johansson's lawsuit disregarded the effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the industry and the world at large. The Time's Up, ReFrame, and Women in Film organizations classified Disney's statement as "gendered character attack" on Johansson, one that didn't sit right with them or many other people in the industry. Johansson's agent, Bryan Lourd, released his own statement calling out Disney for their response.

Related: Every Scarlett Johansson Movie Releasing After Black Widow

Now, The Wrap is reporting that Johansson herself was shocked by Disney's harsh words regarding the lawsuit. Johansson's team said that the tone of the statement didn't sit right with the actress or those who work closely with her. The actress' team did not elaborate further.

Natasha Romanoff turning back to look at someone in In Black Widow

Johansson's lawsuit has set off a firestorm of controversy in the industry, sending Disney into turmoil and quite possibly inspiring other actors to file lawsuits of their own. Cruella actress Emma Stone is considering her own lawsuit, according to some reports, and other Disney actors are reportedly considering legal action, too. One person who is not is Dwayne Johnson, whose Jungle Cruise just debuted in theaters and on Disney+'s Premier Access platform. One thing is clear, though - Johansson's lawsuit could be a watershed moment for the industry as a whole.

The pandemic is clearly playing a key role in shaping how major movies are being released, but many in the industry have worried that studios are favoring their own streaming services and profit margins over the talent at the center of their biggest films. Warner Bros. ignited similar controversy at the end of 2020 with the announcement that their 2021 slate would be hitting HBO Max and theaters on the same day. The studio then worked out compensation deals for major talent attached to those movies. Disney clearly made a mistake in not re-negotiating Johansson's contract for Black Widow and they are paying the price both financially and in the court of public opinion.

More: What Scarlett Johansson's Lawsuit Means For Disney, Marvel & Hollywood/Streaming

Source: The Wrap

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