Disney+ Premier Access launched in 2020 with the premiere of Disney’s live-action Mulan film under the “Premier Access” title for $29.99 in the United States, and other Disney-owned films have been available through “Premier Access” ever since until some American actors started suing Disney.
Let’s get into it!
Last week, Marvel Studios’ Black Widow star Scarlett Johansson sued Disney over Black Widow’s Disney+ Premier Access release in July 2021. She sued Disney because in her contract it stated that the film would be released exclusively in theaters and not on any streaming platforms. However, this film has been in development for many years before Disney+ even existed and that is why it was not previously mentioned in the contract like future films will.
Disney responded to her lawsuit by stating that her loss of revenue was “callous disregard for the horrific and prolonged global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.” After Scarlett Johansson, actors such as Emma Stone (Cruella) and Emily Blunt (Jungle Cruise), among others stepped up and are considering suing Disney over its Premier Access releases. While other actors such as Dwayne Johnson (Jungle Cruise) will not be suing the Walt Disney Company.
She has been one of the biggest Marvel Cinematic Universe stars since The Avengers in 2012, and has been featured in up to 11 Marvel Studios films throughout the years. Many like Marvel Studios President, Kevin Feige have backed up the actress about Black Widow’s shared Disney+ and theatrical release and how Disney handled the lawsuit.
The fate is of Disney+ Premier Access certainly does not look good at this point from theater owners upset about loss of revenue, and actors suing over Disney+ and theater releases. We will just have to wait and see how everything plays out. If you would like to stay up-to-date with the latest entertainment news please follow me on Instagram @mattsworldofentertainment and Twitter @mattsworldofet. Have a great day and I will see you all real soon!
Photo Courtesy: Disney
