Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Johansson, Disney settle lawsuit
Scarlett Johansson and the Walt Disney Co. on Thursday settled her lawsuit over the streaming release of “Black Widow,” bringing a swift end to what had begun as the first major fight between a studio and star over recent changes in rollout plans for films.
Johansson filed the lawsuit two months ago, saying the streaming release of the Marvel movie breached her contract and deprived her of potential earnings.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the two sides released a joint statement in which they pledged to continue working together.
“I am happy to have resolved our differences with Disney,” said Johansson, who has played Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, in nine movies.
Alan Bergman, chairman of Disney Studios Content, said he is “pleased that we have been able to come to a mutual agreement.”
The lawsuit said Johansson’s contract guaranteed an exclusive theatrical release, with her potential earnings tied to the box office performance of the film. Disney released the film simultaneously in theaters and through its streaming service Disney+ for a $30 rental.
“Black Widow” debuted to what was then a pandemic-best of $80 million in North America and $78 million from international theaters on July 9. But theatrical grosses declined sharply after that.
Strings named bluegrass entertainer of the
year: Grammy-winning bluegrass musician Billy Strings won entertainer of the year at the genre’s top awards show, a major feat for the 28-year-old guitarist who beat out veteran performers.
The International Bluegrass Music Association’s Bluegrass Music Awards were handed out Thursday in Raleigh, North Carolina, where Strings was also named guitar player of the year. Nominees for entertainer of the year included Balsam Range, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, the Del McCoury Band and The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys.
Strings won a Grammy Award for his 2019 album “Home” and just released an acoustic album called “Renewal.”
Also picking up multiple awards was Appalachian Road Show, which won best new artist and instrumental group of the year. Sister Sadie won vocal group of the year; song of the year went to Balsam Range for “Richest Man”; and album of the year was “Industrial Strength Bluegrass: Southwestern Ohio’s Musical Legacy.”
Super Bowl performers Dr. Dre, Snoop named: Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar will perform for the first time on stage together at the Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show.
The NFL, Pepsi and Roc Nation announced Thursday that the five music icons will perform on Feb. 13 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Lamar are Southern California natives.
“The opportunity to perform at the Super Bowl Halftime show, and to do it in my own backyard, will be one of the biggest thrills of my career,” Dre said in a statement. The seven-time Grammy winner added that their halftime performance will be an “unforgettable cultural moment.”
Oct. 2 birthdays: Singer Don McLean is 76. Actor Avery Brooks is 73. Guitarist Mike Rutherford is 71. Musician Sting is 70. Actor Lorraine Bracco is 67. TV host Kelly Ripa is 51. Singer Tiffany is 50. Singer LaTocha Scott is 48. Actor Efren Ramirez is 48. Singer Mandisa is 45. Actor Christopher Larkin is 34. Singer Brittany Howard is 33.