Scarlett Johansson has earned her success through her extraordinary talent and dedication. The actress, who made her first film appearance in 1994, has remained a fixture in the entertainment industry for over two decades. With breakthrough roles in blockbusters like Lost in Translation, Her, and Marriage Story, Johansson has become a household name and shows no signs of slowing down.
Johansson may now be one of the world’s biggest movie stars, but she initially had a tough time breaking into the business. Her talent was undeniable, but she was met with skepticism and rejection, leaving her “frustrated and hopeless.”
Scarlett Johansson’s Career in Hollywood
At age 8, Scarlett Johansson made her acting debut in the film North. Even as a teenager, she maintained a successful film career, appearing in such critically acclaimed films as The Horse Whisperer and Ghost World.
The movie Lost in Translation was the turning point in Johansson’s career. She became one of Hollywood’s most talked-about up-and-coming stars after her performance in the film garnered her a Golden Globe nomination and critical acclaim.
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Despite her achievements, Johansson had to overcome obstacles and self-doubt before landing the role of Black Widow in Iron Man 2. In a recent interview with Variety, she revealed that she was rejected for two major roles, one of which was the role of Black Widow.
Scarlett Johansson, at the time, was “frustrated and hopeless” and unsure if acting was the right path for her. Work was “deeply unfulfilling,” and she questioned whether her creative potential had been exhausted.
“I got turned down for two roles — the first was ‘Iron Man 2’ and then the other one was Alfonso Cuarón’s ‘Gravity.’ I had wanted that role so much. It was sort of the straw that broke the camel’s back. I felt really frustrated and hopeless. Like, ‘Am I doing the right job?’ The work I was being offered felt deeply unfulfilling. I think I was offered every Marilyn Monroe script ever. I was like, ‘Is this the end of the road creatively?’
Johansson, however, was unyielding. Despite being repeatedly turned down for roles, she persisted in her pursuit of acting. She persisted until she landed the role of Black Widow in Iron Man 2, which marked the beginning of her time spent in the MCU.
The Marvel Films Canon
The actress’ performance as Black Widow in Iron Man 2 was so well received that it led to her starring in eight additional Marvel Cinematic Universe films, the last of which, Black Widow, was released in 2021.
According to reports, Scarlett Johansson’s salary for Black Widow was $15 million, making her one of the highest-paid actresses in the world, thanks to her involvement with the MCU. Her partnership with Marvel, however, was not without its share of criticism.
In 2021, Johansson filed a lawsuit against Disney, claiming the company breached its contract by releasing Black Widow on Disney+ at the same time as its theatrical debut. The legal action grabbed everyone’s attention and sparked a broader discussion about the future of film distribution.
However, Johansson’s decision to sue Disney demonstrated her confidence in standing up for herself and her principles. Johansson’s future in the business is promising despite the obstacles she’s had to overcome.
In addition to her role in the MCU, she will be featured in several upcoming films, such as Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch and Disney’s Tower of Terror. Despite all challenges, Johansson pursued acting despite facing many obstacles, including rejection and self-doubt.
Source: Variety
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