Black Widow debuted on July 9 in US theatres and for a $US30 ($40.50) charge on the Disney+ streaming service. Disney has been testing the hybrid pattern for some films during the coronavirus pandemic as the company tries to boost its streaming service.
Loading
Johansson’s lawsuit claims that Disney wanted to steer audiences toward Disney+,“where it could keep the revenues for itself while simultaneously growing the Disney+ subscriber base,a proven way to boost Disney’s stock price”.
“Second,Disney wanted to substantially devalue Ms Johansson’s agreement and thereby enrich itself,” the lawsuit said.
The suit seeks unspecified damages to be determined at trial.
The outcome could have broad ramifications in Hollywood as media companies try to build their streaming services by offering premium programming to lure subscribers.
A Disney representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment.