Amidst growing concern over Disney's strategy of simultaneously releasing films on Disney+ via Premier Access as well as in theaters, known as day-and-date releases, Dwayne Johnson is reportedly not planning to sue the company over Jungle Cruise's release. Jungle Cruise, which also stars Emily Blunt, released yesterday having been delayed since 2019. It's expected to make around $25 million dollars in its opening weekend, having already made $2.7 million from Thursday night previews and rising to an estimated $12-13 million after its first day. The amount marks a significant increase on Cruella, which earned $7.7 million on its opening day while also releasing on Disney+.
On Thursday, Black Widow's Scarlett Johansson shocked many be suing the Disney over a breach of contract regarding her movie's day-and-date release. Johansson's contract allegedly specified a solely theatrical release of the Marvel film, with the actress receiving compensation based on the film's box-office revenue. The box-office figures for Black Widow took a significant nose-dive of 67% in its second weekend in theaters, in part impacted by Disney's decision to release the film on Disney+. Cruella's Emma Stone is said to be considering a similar lawsuit in regards to her film's hybrid release. Where other studios, like Warner Bros., have bought out their stars' contracts to account for the loss from hybrid releases, it seems Disney has made no such offers.
According to Deadline, neither Johnson nor his production company Seven Bucks Productions, which co-produced Jungle Cruise, have any intentions of suing Disney over a loss of earning relating to the film's day-and-date release. In fact, it is claimed that the former WWE star is in "lock-step" with Disney in regards to the film's release in order to maximize viewership to overseas audiences when theatrical releases in certain markets are inaccessible as a result of increased COVID rates, such as South-East Asia.
If Jungle Cruise's first day revenue proves correct then it would represent the best opening for Johnson since 2018's Skyscraper, so it's understandable why he might be inclined to side with Disney. His co-star Blunt is another matter however. She is said to have been against a hybrid release for the film, preferring the delayed release of A Quiet Place Part II, which arrived on Paramount+ 45 days after its theatrical release. Notably, Blunt and her husband John Krasinski, who both directed and starred in the film, reportedly sought compensation from Paramount after the company shortened its release window. As such, it wouldn't be surprising if Blunt were to broach the subject with Disney should Jungle Cruise perform poorly after its opening weekend.
Disney's recent spate of hybrid releases has placed the company at loggerheads with a number of internal staff as well, including Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, who also vehemently opposed Black Widow's hybrid release. The advantage for Disney is that profits from streaming purchases via its streaming platform don't have to be shared with theaters, so it's understandable why they would prefer streaming releases, especially considering the post-pandemic market. Still, it places its stars at a significant disadvantage so it makes sense that they would seek to be compensated. Studios and stars no longer operate on a system of mutual success, so the recent lawsuits may level the playing field between the two sides.
Still, if stars like Johnson are comfortable with their position in relation to the likes of Disney, and are happy with hybrid releases being used to maximize viewership during a difficult time for the movie industry, then so be it. Disney are planning to launch a franchise from Jungle Cruise, so it would make sense why Johnson would wish to avoid upsetting Disney. Ultimately, it will be interesting to keep an eye on the box-office figures for Jungle Cruise over the next few days, regardless of impending lawsuit.
Source: Deadline
