Black Widow was released simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+'s "Premier Access," and while Disney touted impressive opening weekend numbers, one person who wasn't happy was lead star Scarlett Johansson. Shortly after the movie's debut, the actress filed a lawsuit against the House of Mouse for losses of more than $50 million she should have gained from box office revenue.
Johansson and Disney eventually settled out of court, and she'd later return to that planned Tower of Terror project for the studio. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, meanwhile, recently confirmed that Johansson is set to produce an upcoming MCU project unrelated to the Natasha Romanoff character.
During a red carpet appearance prior to becoming the 35th recipient of the American Cinematheque Award, Johansson addressed the lawsuit head on (via CBR). "I think it's important in general to know your own worth and stand up for yourself. In this industry, I've been working for such a long time. It's been almost thirty years," she said. "There's so much that has shifted over those thirty years. I think sometime before, maybe, you would feel, 'Oh gosh. If I stand up for myself, I might never work again. Or I might be blacklisted in some way.'"
"Thankfully, that's changing in the zeitgeist. And honestly, I think that happening in an industry that's as huge and universal as the entertainment industry is really important if I lead that charge."
Johansson received a lot of praise for deciding to sue Disney (even from those working for the studio), and it does appear the main issue was controversial new(ish) CEO Bob Chapek.
Check out her comments in full in the player below: