While Scarlett Johansson’s lawsuit against The Walt Disney Company has become a bitter public fight, select insiders say that Disney CEO Bob Chapek is squarely responsible for the current situation, according to The Wrap‘s Sharon Waxman.
Johansson is currently suing Disney over its simultaneous release of Black Widow in theaters and on Disney+ through Premier Access, which she claims caused her to lose financial incentives tied to the film’s box-office earnings as was laid out in her contract. While the COVID-19 pandemic did play a part in Disney’s decision, Johansson asserts that Disney refused to renegotiate their deal after the decision for the hybrid release. Disney responded to the lawsuit, calling it “especially sad and distressing in its callous disregard for the horrific and prolonged global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The report, later reiterated by ScreenRant‘s Chris Agar, claims that “multiple insiders” blame Chapek’s inexperience with handling talent for letting things result in this suit, with one saying “he didn’t think it would blow up in his face.”
Gene Del Vecchio, an adjunct professor at the USC Marshall School of Business, described the difference between Chapek and his predecessor, Disney executive chairman Bob Iger as to how they approach talent:
Bob Iger was named CEO in 2005 not only due to his business acumen, but for his mastery of developing and keeping relationships that he had honed for dozens of years working with temperamental, high-profile stars. Disney’s acquisition and management of Pixar, Marvel, and Lucas are testimony to his ability. Chapek’s previous experience with Disney Consumer Products, Parks and Resorts did not demand the same level of star-charged interaction.
Reportedly, Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige has also been upset by the lawsuit, having allegedly fought against the simultaneous release, and wants to rectify the situation with Johansson.
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