Scarlett Johansson, celebrated for her versatility and iconic roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has consistently proven her acting prowess. Known for her distinctive voice and dynamic performances, the actress has earned widespread acclaim. However, early in her career, she encountered a notable setback when Pixar, a major animation studio, passed on her for a role.
Despite her enthusiasm for venturing into animation, Pixar failed to recognize her potential. But Johansson did not hold back in voicing her frustration and openly criticized the studio for overlooking her talents in a past interview.
Scarlett Johansson Criticizes Pixar for Turning Down Her Vocal Talent
Scarlett Johansson always knew she wanted to be an actor, driven by a passion to explore every aspect of the craft. Her early years in the industry, however, were challenging. Sent to countless commercial auditions, she often struggled to land roles, leading to many disappointments.
After yet another unsuccessful audition, Johansson broke down in tears on the subway. Her mother, who later became her manager, suggested they consider other options. But Johansson’s resolve was unshakable – acting was her true calling, and she wasn’t willing to give up. Recognizing her unique strengths, the actress and her mother decided to focus exclusively on movie auditions.
Even as a young girl, she had a distinctive, smoky voice that set her apart, though many initially mistook it for a sign of illness. This voice would later become a key asset, particularly when Spike Jonze cast her as a disembodied computer operating system in his 2013 film Her.
Jonze fully utilized Johansson’s vocal talents, with her performance adding depth to the film.
Before her collaboration with Jonze, no other director or animator had truly harnessed the potential of Johansson’s voice. At one point, she even visited Pixar, hoping to secure a role in one of their animated films. Reflecting on this missed opportunity, Johansson humorously remarked, “I was ripe for the picking! What happened?” She also added “Now they have to give me a cartoon! I just called them out.”
Although this opportunity didn’t materialize, her proactive nature continued to open new doors for her.
Scarlett Johansson’s Film Failure Spurs Apple to Rethink Its Strategy
Apple’s foray into high-stakes filmmaking faced a significant setback with the poor performance of Fly Me to the Moon. Despite a hefty $100 million investment and a star-studded cast featuring Scarlett Johansson, the romantic comedy struggled at the box office, grossing under $40 million.
This disappointment highlights a broader challenge for Apple, which has poured billions into ambitious film projects without seeing the anticipated success.
In light of this, Apple is reassessing its film strategy. The company is scaling back its approach by reducing the theatrical window for upcoming releases like Wolfs, starring Brad Pitt and George Clooney. Instead of extensive theatrical runs, these films will be shown for just a week before streaming on Apple TV+.
This shift in strategy comes as Apple seeks to balance high-profile projects with financial sustainability. While the company has made significant strides in television with hits such as Ted Lasso and Killers of the Flower Moon, it faces tougher competition in the film industry.
Apple’s revised approach aims to streamline costs and better align investments with audience expectations, hoping to turn its entertainment investments into profitable ventures.
