Hollywood wouldn’t be the same without the luminous presence of Scarlett Johansson, who can make heads turn whenever she walks into a room. At 39, she has not only earned her stripes as one of the industry’s most in-demand actresses but also holds a special place in the hearts of countless fans!
But, here’s a juicy tidbit: the acclaimed actress known for her powerful roles in films like Lost in Translation and Marriage Story was initially turned down by David Fincher for the role of Lisbeth Salander in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Why, you may ask? It turns out that the director thought she was too attractive for the character.
Despite her box office magnetism and the potential for a more risqué role, Fincher opted for Rooney Mara, preserving the movie’s essence.
Could Scarlett Johansson Have Tripped Up the Heart of David Fincher’s Film?
In David Fincher’s 2011 thriller The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Rooney Mara’s portrayal of Lisbeth Salander was a tour de force, hitting all the right notes. This character is not your garden-variety heroine; she’s a computer hacker who’s survived her share of emotional and physical calamities.
Mara herself shared her thoughts on the role, shedding light on the dichotomy between her on-screen persona and real-life self. In an interview with Parade, she revealed:
I think me in the movie is different than me outside of the movie. I don’t think most magazine covers would put me in character.
The actress, 39, wasn’t shy about admitting that the character’s appearance might ruffle a few feathers:
I’ve certainly read enough online about people saying ‘Why did they make her so ugly?’
But Mara was of the view that true beauty shines from within, and as the story unfolds, viewers will see Salander’s true colors, which are vibrant! The character, she suggested, is someone who becomes more appealing as you understand her story and struggles. “Looks are sort of secondary to that,” she concluded, emphasizing that true beauty is more than skin deep.
Now, let’s stir the pot a bit. Scarlett Johansson, the box-office dynamo, was initially considered for the role of Lisbeth Salander. However, in a conversation with Vogue (via THR), Fincher acknowledged that Johansson’s striking beauty was too glamorous for the gritty, raw nature of Salander.
But here’s the kicker: the director might have been right. While Johansson’s star power & beauty could’ve given the film a serious boost & maybe even landed it a sequel, it could’ve detracted from the very essence of Lisbeth Salander.
Losing Roles Over (Good) Looks: Scarlett Johansson’s Honest Take
Scarlett Johansson has often found herself in the ironic position of being deemed ‘too pretty’ for certain roles, a curious conundrum for someone who arguably embodies Hollywood glamour. Despite her star power, the actress has encountered a perplexing predicament where directors thought her looks might overshadow the essence of the characters she auditioned for.
In her own words, Johansson described the situation with a blend of bemusement and frustration (via Daily Mail):
That’s always an unfortunate thing to figure out, ‘Why can’t you see?!’ For me, I would imagine when casting someone, you would want to challenge yourself in some way. It is so interesting to see actors transform. There are certainly plenty of times when I am definitely not sexy.
The Black Widow actress made it clear that she’s more than just a pretty face.
Meanwhile, despite her striking appearance, Johansson felt that she hadn’t truly embodied the “sexy” roles one might expect. She informed Mirror:
But the characters I play aren’t really traditionally sexy, I don’t think. I think it’s probably a reaction to the fact that I’m curvy and confident about it, maybe.
And while Johansson’s presence in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo might’ve set the box office on fire, Rooney Mara’s performance delivered a knockout punch. With the film raking in a cool $239 million against a $90 million budget (Box Office Mojo), it’s clear that the film hit the nail on the head, proving that sometimes, less glam and more grit is the perfect recipe for success.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is streaming on Max as of August 17, 2024.
