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Will Scarlett Johansson’s Suit Against Disney Open the Floodgates for Other Stars?

Will Scarlett Johansson’s Suit Against Disney Open the Floodgates for Other Stars?

Scarlett Johansson’s bombshell lawsuit against Disney over the dual theatrical-streaming release of “Black Widow” could open the floodgates for other stars and producers to pursue legal claims against studios whose shift in release strategies impact monetary bonuses based on box office performance. “Profit participation suits are nothing new, but this angle of testing day-and-date releases based on COVID is uncharted territory, and I think it will cause many actors, actresses and producers to examine their contracts,” Daniel Rozansky, Partner at Stubbs Alderton & Markiles LLP, told TheWrap. “Stars want to make sure they’re getting what they bargained for.” Devin McRae, Partner at Early Sullivan Wright Gizer & McRae LLP, agreed: “I’m sure that entertainment attorneys representing talent in these deals are watching this, when they negotiate similar deals with clients it’ll be a subject for discussion.” In her suit on Thursday, the actress alleged that Disney breached her contract by abandoning a promised exclusive theatrical release of “Black Widow” — thus depriving of her of box office-based bonuses that insiders told the Wall Street Journal were worth as much as $50 million. (A rep for Disney called the actress’ suit “without merit” and said she had already been paid $20...

Read original story Will Scarlett Johansson’s Suit Against Disney Open the Floodgates for Other Stars? At TheWrap