Scarlett Johansson (L); Jason Blum.Photo: Leon Bennett/Getty; JC Olivera/Getty
Jason Blumis speaking out in support ofScarlett Johanssonamid the latter’slawsuit against Disney, regarding the release of her recent summer blockbusterBlack Widow.
In an interview withThe Hollywood Reporter, published Wednesday, the Blumhouse founder and CEO said the lawsuit is “a much bigger existential fight that she’s really leading.”
“It’s a very difficult thing to do, it’s really brave to do and she’s fighting for all of talent,” Blum, 52, said of the actress.
Johansson, 36,sued Disney last week in Los Angeles, alleging the company breached her contract when it releasedBlack Widowon its Disney+ streaming service at the same time that it was released in movie theaters.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.
Scarlett Johansson inBlack Widow(2021).Film Frame/Marvel Studios 2020
In Disney’s following statement, after the filing was made public, a spokesperson for the company said, “There is no merit whatsoever to this filing. The lawsuit is especially sad and distressing in its callous disregard for the horrific and prolonged global effects of theCOVID-19 pandemic.”
“Disney has fully complied with Ms. Johansson’s contract and furthermore, the release of Black Widow on Disney+ with Premier Access has significantly enhanced her ability to earn additional compensation on top of the $20M she has received to date,” the statement continued.
“This will surely not be the last case where Hollywood talent stands up to Disney and makes it clear that, whatever the company may pretend, it has a legal obligation to honor its contracts,” Berlinski’s statement added.
RELATED VIDEO: Jeremy Renner Isn’t Sorry About HisBlack WidowComments
In his interview withTHR, Blum said he believesstreaming platforms “arebetting on” a scenario in which “in the next three to five years, there will only be three or four [of them] left pumping content into homes.”
“And they’ll be so powerful that they will be able to push the price down of producing, of paying talent, of paying producers, of paying writers, directors,” he added. “I personally don’t think they’ll be able to do it, but that’s what they’re betting on.”
Johanssonhas starred as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widowsince 2010’sIron Man 2and has since been an integral part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, specifically the company’sAvengersfilms.Black Widowwas Johansson’s first spinoff film involving her character, who died in 2019’sAvengers: Endgame.
Black Widow, which debuted July 9, earned $80 million at the U.S. box office in its opening weekend and $78 million at the global box office. It raked in another $60 million from Disney+ Premier $30 rental fees.
source: people.com
