Washington [US], Aug 13 (ANI): Disney CEO Bob Chapek stands by the company’s hybrid movie release model amid Scarlett Johansson’s lawsuit. He added that distribution of future Disney films would continue “on a film-by-film basis”.
According to Deadline, during an earnings call Thursday, Chapek told Wall Street analysts about the dual release of films in movie theaters and on Disney+, “We value flexibility in being able to make last-minute calls. give.”
Chapek, who did not mention Johansson or ‘Black Widow’ by name, said, “Certainly we didn’t anticipate a resurgence of COVID when we had planned.”
He said that he and former CEO Bob Iger, who now serves as chairman of the board at Disney, “set out” dual release plans for many of this year’s films, “to enable us to reach the widest possible audience.” It was the right strategy.”
Chapek also reiterated that “distribution decisions are made on a film-by-film basis. We will continue to exercise all options.”
Later, Chapek revealed that Disney had “entered into hundreds of talent arrangements” that “went too smoothly” according to The Hollywood Reporter.
“Like we’ve done many times before, we’ve found ways to fairly compensate our talents, so that no matter what, everyone feels satisfied,” he said.
Chapek’s remarks come two weeks after Johansson, who has starred in Marvel films since 2010’s “Iron Man,” filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles alleging that Disney did not release “Black Widow” on Disney Plus. as well as in breach of his contract. in cinemas.
In a lawsuit obtained by People magazine, Johansson stated that her ‘Black Widow’ contract with Disney’s Marvel Entertainment was for a guaranteed exclusive movie-theater release, with the bulk of her salary dependent on the film’s box-office performance. .
In a statement made after the filing was made public, the company’s Disney spokesperson said, “There is no merit in this filing. The lawsuit is notably in its blatant disregard for the catastrophic and prolonged global impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.” It’s sad and worrying.”
The statement continued, “Disney has fully complied with Ms. Johansson’s contract and, in addition, the release of Black Widow on Disney+ with Premiere Access has the potential to earn her an additional $20 million in compensation to date. has grown significantly.”
According to People magazine, Johansson’s attorney John Burlinsky said in a statement, “It’s no secret that Disney is releasing movies like Black Widow directly on Disney+ in order to increase subscribers and drive the company’s share price.” to be extended – and this is hidden behind COVID-19 as an excuse to do so. But to pursue this short-sighted strategy to ignore the contracts of the actors responsible for the success of their films is a violation of their rights and We look forward to proving the same in court.
Disney faced backlash from Johansson’s agent, Brian Lourd, and several women’s groups in Hollywood, such as Time’s Up, Reframe and Women in Film, Los Angeles, who called the company’s response to the actor’s lawsuit “a gender character attack”. Said. (ANI)
This news has come from ANI and has not been edited since independence.
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