Actress Scarlett Johansson may have landed a win greater than the legal settlement she reached with Disney.
Confirmed: Scarlett Johansson and Disney are working on ‘top-secret’ film
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, relations between the two parties have been positive, to say the least. After reaching a settlement with the movie magnates, it seems Johansson has been gifted more than a cheque to rope her into a long-term allegiance with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Taking to the podium at last week’s American Cinematheque Awards (ACA), Marvel mastermind Kevin Feige made it abundantly clear that Johansson’s role in the MCU will be greater than expanding the storyline of Black Widow.
In fact, Feige confirmed “another non-Black Widow-related top-secret Marvel Studios project with her as a producer.”
“Scarlett is one of the most talented, versatile and beloved actors of our time. It has truly been a pleasure to work with someone of her calibre. From those epic training sessions preparing for the hallway fight in Iron Man 2, to the around-the-world press tour in Avengers: Endgame to partnering with you as a producer on Black Widow, working with you Scarlett has truly been one of the most memorable and rewarding collaborations of my career,” Feige said, in tribute to Johansson who was an honouree at the ACAs.
Johansson opens up about Disney lawsuit
The camaraderie shown by Disney higher-ups and Johansson at the ACA event cemented the actress’ position as a key role-player in the future of the MCU. However, not so long ago, it was all headed to a bust, or so it seemed.
In July 2021, Johansson filed an explosive lawsuit against Disney, accusing the studio of prioritising the growth of its Disney+ streaming service over an agreement they reached when she signed for the Black Widow origin.
Johansson, accordino to Disney, received more than R314 million ($20 million) for the role. However, the actress stressed that this was auxiliary to an agreement they’d reached on a dividend in earnings at the box office.
The public relations ‘Cold War’ between Johansson and Disney continued until 30 September 2021 when both parties announced a settlement had been reached.
Reflecting on the period, which took place before and after Johansson gave birth to her second child, the actress chalked the experience off as a necessary sacrifice that will, in the end, benefit her Hollywood peers.
“In a way, that sort of buoyed me through the very uncertain, stressful time. I feel mostly very fortunate that nobody will have to go through what I went through and that it’s made, I think, a positive impact in the industry and hopefully for artists and creatives’ lives and livelihood,” she said.
