“But it’s really a confluence of events.
(He always did).
Those roles were intended simply to fill the routine function of ‘The Girl.'”
Olivia de Havilland and Scarlett Johansson may become linked in the Hollywood history books for their lawsuits against Warner Bros. and Disney, respectively.Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images; Marvel Studios
Many stars, including formidable talentBette Davis, had fought Warner Bros. before, and lost.
De Havilland faced a steep battle, including an essential blacklisting from the industry as the case dragged on.
“She was off screen for almost two years, and she wasn’t even 30 yet.
Olivia de Havilland.Silver Screen Collection/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
This is the prime of her career,” notes Carman.
“And Warner Bros. tried to blackmail her and tell other studios to not hire her.”
“Suddenly, it’s too expensive for studios to keep talent on long-term contracts,” Carman explains.
Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff in ‘Black Widow’.Jay Maidment/Marvel Studios
I’m not going to let you get away with it.
“This new streaming wars model is almost the vertically-integrated monopoly on steroids,” Carman says.
(SeeShonda Rhimes’ recentlyexpanded deal with Netflix, for instance.)
Scarlett Johansson in ‘Black Widow’.Jay Maidment/Marvel Studios
Johansson’s case could establish a vital precedent for how those deals play out going forward.
“If she wins, it could have the same impact, without a doubt.
And who’s going to benefit?
The people who are doing the work.”
Certainly Olivia was, and clearly Scarlett Johansson is too."
