Wes Anderson’s reputation as a prolific filmmaker is even more evident in the way he is viewed by his A-list actors. Scarlett Johansson is one of the stars who has openly spoken about the influence of the director and his films in Hollywood. Johansson’s film with Anderson titled Asteroid City is all set to premiere at the prestigious Cannes film festival on May 16th, 2023
Playing a film star modeled after Bette Davis in the 1950s, Scarlett Johansson spoke about her preparation for her role in Asteroid City and her experience working with Wes Anderson after appearing in his 2018 film Isle Of Dogs. The Match Point star addressed the challenges she faced as a new mother and her desperation to be part of a Wes Anderson film at any cost.
New Mom Scarlett Johansson Found The Going Tough On Asteroid City Set
Despite allegedly earning only a little over $4000 a week for her role in Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City, Scarlett Johansson was more than keen to be a part of the popular director’s project. The Marvel star was so invested in the film and her character that she was willing to get back on set to work just eight weeks after giving birth. But the Black Widow star realized quickly that postpartum blues was a real thing and relied on the timely help of her co-star Jason Schwartzman to help her navigate through the challenges.
“It was just so quick, and also I had a little baby, so there was a lot going on. My brain was mostly functioning, but he would help me run lines at any moment. He was constantly present and supportive, and I needed him very much. I would say ‘Please don’t go too far away from me.’ I was trying to stay alert, but he was just great”.
Johansson went on to praise her co-star’s acting talent and his stellar performance in Asteroid City. She also spoke about Wes Anderson’s penchant to bring out the best in every actor.
Is Scarlett Johansson One Of Hollywood’s Highest Paid Female Actors?
Even with Wes Anderson’s reputation as a master filmmaker, the news of Scarlett Johansson’s decision to be part of his film Asteroid City for a surprisingly modest salary has raised many eyebrows. But a look into the star’s finances indicates that a lower payday will probably not make so much as a dent in her total net worth. According to the 2019 Forbes List, Scarlett Johansson earned $56 million pre-tax in 2019. Most of that money came from her recurring role as Black Widow in the MCU.
A year before, in 2018 the Vicky Christina Barcelona star was named the world’s highest-paid actress, earning $40.5 million pre-tax. Johansson also made $14 million from Avengers: Endgame upfront and received 5 percent of the backend profits from the film which amounted to a whopping $35 million. In addition, the actor’s endorsements with brands like Calvin Klein and L’Oreal ensured that her meager salary in Asteroid City will have no impact on her total net worth.
Asteroid City will premiere in Cannes on 16th May 2023 and will release in the USA on June 23rd, 2023.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
