As we reported on Thursday, Black Widow star Scarlett Johansson has filed a lawsuit against the Walt Disney Co., alleging that her contract was breached when the Marvel Studios movie was released on Disney+ and in theaters simultaneously. Disney issued a response shortly after the news broke, calling the filing "sad and distressing in its callous disregard for the horrific and prolonged global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic."
Johansson's actions appear to have inspired others to follow suit (literally), with reports that Emma Stone is also considering taking action against the Mouse House over the Disney+ release of Cruella.
It's a very messy situation, and though most have shown support for Johansson, some have sided with Disney. One very powerful and influential individual who seems to have placed himself firmly in the former category is Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige.
In the What I’m Hearing newsletter, former THR editor Matthew Belloni reports that Feige lobbied for Disney to keep Black Widow a theatrical-only release to comply with the actress' wishes.
“[Feige is] a company man, and prone to corporate showdowns or shouting matches. But I’m told he’s angry and embarrassed,” he says. “He lobbied Disney against the day-and-date plan for Black Widow, preferring the big screen exclusivity and not wanting to upset his talent.”
Belloni was also told that when the film began to "tank" at the box office, Feige tried to get Disney to “make this right with” Johansson before she threatened legal action.
We're sure to have some updates to share soon, but in the meantime, let us know what you make of these surprising developments down below.