As stated in the “breach of contract” lawsuit Johansson filed against Disney, the decision to release Black Widow simultaneously in theaters and Disney+ affected the film’s box office.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Scarlett Johansson asked to be paid for Black Widow, whatever she would have made in the pre-pandemic era for the film.
The WSJ reports that Scarlett Johansson’s lawyers tried to negotiate with Disney executives immediately after it was announced that Black Widow will be releasing on Disney+ Premier Access.
Johansson herself was busy doing press for Black Widow while Disney boss Bob Chapek was handling the company’s other ventures amidst a raging pandemic.