Showbiz Sandbox 551: The Significance of the Scarlett Johansson vs. Disney Lawsuit
August 10, 2021
Scarlett Johansson is suing Disney for breach of contract after the studio released “Black Widow” both in movie theaters and its own streaming service at the same time. The actress believes Disney’s distribution strategy is preventing her from earning millions in box office bonuses but instead enriches the company’s top executives. The outcome of the case could determine how or if back end deals on movies are offered to above the line talent in the future.
Meanwhile, as film and television production levels in Hollywood return to pre-COVID levels, the pandemic is once again dragging down the international box office. It may start doing so on Broadway and at concerts as vaccines will be required to gain entrance.
Of course we also cover the week’s top entertainment headlines including how comedian Louis C.K. hopes to make a comeback with a national tour, the game show “Jeopardy” may have found a replacement for Alex Trebek and Doctor Who plans a vacation. Podcast: Play in new window | Download
‘The Suicide Squad’ Misses Mark At $72M Global; Overseas On Par With ‘Birds Of Prey’ As Covid Complications Continue
https://deadline.com/2021/08/the-suicide-squad-jungle-cruise-f9-global-international-box-office-1234811102/
‘The Suicide Squad’ Underwhelms With $26.5 Million Debut Amid Delta Variant Concerns
https://variety.com/2021/film/box-office/the-suicide-squad-box-office-underwhelms-1235037004/
Comscore Worldwide Box Office
https://www.comscore.com/Insights/Rankings#tab_worldwide_box_office/
Arrests Made After Jewel Thief Scooted Off From ‘Mind-Boggling’ Paris Heist
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/28/jewel-thief-scoots-away-after-mind-boggling-heist-in-paris
Kris Wu Detained by Chinese Police on Suspicion of Rape
https://variety.com/2021/music/news/kris-wu-rape-detained-1235031986/
Louis C.K. To Launch National Tour Next Week At Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theatre
https://deadline.com/2021/08/louis-c-k-tour-madison-square-garden-1234809178/
Activision Blizzard Employees to Walk Out Following Sexual Harassment Lawsuit
https://www.theverge.com/2021/7/27/22595922/activision-blizzard-employees-walk-out-sexual-harassment
Blizzard’s President Is Stepping down Amid ‘Frat Boy’ Culture Scandal
https://www.protocol.com/bulletins/blizzard–ceo-stepping-down
Ron Meyer Is Adviser to Qatar Royal Family After Universal Exit
https://www.thewrap.com/ron-meyer-adviser-qatar-film-institute/
‘Loki,’ ‘Manifest’ Stay Atop Nielsen Streaming Charts
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/loki-manifest-nielsen-streaming-june-28-july-4-1234990339/
‘Jeopardy!’ Executive Producer Mike Richards Nearing Deal To Succeed Alex Trebek As Host
https://deadline.com/2021/08/jeopardy-executive-producer-mike-richards-host-game-show-alex-trebek-1234809396/
‘9-1-1’ Cast Gets Raises Ahead Of Season 5 With Angela Bassett Eyeing New Benchmark For Actresses Of Color
https://deadline.com/2021/08/9-1-1-cast-raises-season-5-angela-bassett-deal-1234796117/
Jodie Whittaker and Chris Chibnall to Leave Doctor Who In a Trio of Specials in 2022
https://www.doctorwho.tv/news/?article=jodie-whittaker-chris-chibnall-leave-doctor-who
Scarlett Johansson Sues Disney Over ‘Black Widow’ Streaming Release
https://www.wsj.com/articles/scarlett-johansson-sues-disney-over-black-widow-streaming-release-11627579278
Scarlett Johansson’s ‘Black Widow’ Lawsuit Is Game-Changing, But May Be Legally Weak
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/scarlett-johanssons-black-widow-lawsuit-1234990644/
Gerard Butler Sues Over ‘Olympus Has Fallen’ Profits
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/gerard-butler-sues-olympus-has-fallen-1234990987/
The Untold Stories of Wes Studi
https://www.gq.com/story/wes-studi-tommy-orange-profile
Jane Withers, Kid Star of the 1930s, Dies at 95
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/jane-withers-dead-1234994654/
Dusty Hill, Long-Bearded Bassist for ZZ Top, Dies at 72
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/28/arts/music/dusty-hill-dead.html
Beloved Merengue Legend Johnny Ventura Dead at 81
Anna Gross Dies: Film Executive Behind ‘Tootsie’, ‘The NeverEnding Story’ And More Was 68
Anna Gross Dies: Film Executive Behind ‘Tootsie’, ‘The NeverEnding Story’ And More Was 68
Marcia Nasatir Dies: Pioneering Production Exec Worked On Best Picture Winners ‘Rocky’, ‘Cuckoo’s Nest’
https://deadline.com/2021/08/marcia-nasatir-dead-pioneer-female-film-executive-producer-1234808454/
Ron Popeil, TV Pitchman Who Hawked Veg-O-Matic, Mr. Microphone and More, Dies
https://www.latimes.com/obituaries/story/2021-07-28/ron-popeil-pitchman-dead
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