Attorneys for Black Widow star Scarlett Johansson filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday, alleging that Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS) breached her contract when the film didn't debut exclusively in movie theaters earlier this month. Bonuses would kick in for Johansson based on certain milestones in box-office receipts, and Disney's decision to offer the film via Premier Access (for Disney+ subscribers willing to pay an extra $30) have played an important role in keeping ticket sales in check.
Disney+ doesn't deserve all of the blame here. The pandemic is playing the starring role. Even films like F9 and A Quiet Place Part II that opened exclusively at the local multiplex fell short of what their predecessors rang up in ticket sales. However, there is still some merit to Johansson's argument against the House of Mouse.
Disney will be fine no matter how this plays out, but multiplex operators could be the real beneficiaries here. If movie stars and directors start to cry foul about home distribution diminishing their financial returns, could this slow the streaming migration -- for now? Movie fans loving the convenience of watching fresh releases from home won't be happy. But you can be sure that AMC Entertainment Holdings (NYSE: AMC) and its smaller rivals wouldn't mind if Johansson comes out on top here, and film studios return to exclusive theatrical release windows.
For further details see:
Can Scarlett Johansson Suing Disney Save AMC?