Harsh Vardhan
Scarlett Johansson, the illustrious actress of our generation, has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema with her remarkable career spanning several decades. Her journey in the spotlight commenced at a tender age with her debut in the 1994 film ‘North.’ However, it was her breakout role in the 2003 film ‘Lost in Translation,’ opposite Bill Murray, that catapulted her to international stardom. Johansson’s mesmerizing performance as Charlotte in Sofia Coppola’s masterpiece not only earned her critical acclaim but also marked the beginning of her ascent in Hollywood. Throughout her career, the actress has continued to impress audiences with her versatility and captivating presence on screen.
Johansson has graced countless films, from action-packed blockbusters like ‘The Avengers’ series to thought-provoking dramas such as ‘Marriage Story,’ for which she received nominations and accolades, including an Academy Award nomination. Johansson’s dedication to her craft and her ability to seamlessly transition between genres have made her one of the most sought-after and respected actresses in the industry. Her remarkable journey is a testament to her talent and enduring impact on the world of cinema, leaving an indomitable legacy in her wake. Her most recent appearance is in Wes Anderson’s enchanting ‘Asteroid City.’ As we eagerly await her next cinematic endeavors, here’s a glimpse of Johansson’s exciting upcoming projects.
1. Jurassic World Rebirth (2025)
Universal Pictures is rebooting the Jurassic Park franchise with ‘Jurassic Park 4.’ Gareth Edwards will be directing it based on a script by David Koepp, who wrote the first ‘Jurassic Park’ (1993) that Steven Spielberg directed and its 1997 sequel ‘Jurassic Park: The Lost World.’ The plot is set five years after the events of ‘Jurassic World Dominion.’ The planet has become inhospitable to dinosaurs, and those that still exist have been isolated to artificial environments where they can thrive. The three biggest dinosaurs in the tropical biosphere carry within them the key to a drug that can provide life-saving benefits to humans. The team of covert operations experts Zora Bennett (Johansson) and Duncan Kincaid sets off to acquire the genetic material and stumbles upon a stranded family of civilians whose boat was shipwrecked by rogue aquatic dinosaurs. The team and family soon find themselves stranded on an island holding a deep dark secret hidden from the world for decades. The cast also includes Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, and Luna Blaise. Currently in post-production, the film is slated to be released on July 2, 2025.
2. North Star (TBA)
‘North Star,’ AKA ‘My Mother’s Wedding,’ is an eagerly anticipated British drama film representing the directorial debut of the accomplished actress Kristin Scott Thomas. This star-studded cinematic gem boasts an ensemble cast featuring Kristin Scott Thomas herself alongside talents like Johansson, Freida Pinto, Sienna Miller, Emily Beecham, Roger Ashton-Griffiths, Giulio Berruti, and Mark Dexter. The film’s narrative centers on three sisters who converge upon their family’s ancestral abode to celebrate their mother, Diana’s third marriage.
Each sister brings with her a distinct life story, with Georgina (Johansson) assuming the role of a stubborn navy captain. The intriguing storyline promises a compelling exploration of their unique experiences. ‘North Star’ had its grand premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2023, and audiences worldwide eagerly await news of its impending international release date.
3. The Phoenician Scheme (2025)
Johansson is part of a stellar cast in Wes Anderson’s upcoming venture. Also joining her are Tom Hanks, Benedict Cumberbatch, Bryan Cranston, Willem Dafoe, and Rupert Friend. Anderson and Roman Coppola have written the screenplay that explores a strained father-daughter relationship set against the backdrop of their family business. It will be a dark tale of betrayal and morally gray choices. While these actors are all new additions, the original cast includes Benicio del Toro, Bill Murray, Michael Cera, and Mia Threapleton. The film is currently in its post-production state and will be released in Germany on February 13, 2025. A release date for the US is eagerly awaited although we can expect it to drop in 2025 itself.
4. Eleanor the Great (TBA)
Johansson is directing this drama based on a script by Tory Kamen. It revolves around 90-year-old Eleanor Morgenstein, who arrives in New York from Florida and is desperately looking for companionship after losing her friend Bessie, who had been her friend for more than 70 years. Her search brings her face to face with a nineteen-year-old university student, and they develop an unlikely friendship that the film will explore. June Squibb has been roped in to play Eleanor. The rest of the cast includes Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jessica Hecht, Erin Kellyman, and Rita Zohar. Currently in post-production, ‘Eleanor the Great’ awaits a release date.
5. The Gauntlet (TBA)
Directed by Christopher McQuarrie (Mission Impossible movies), ‘The Gauntlet’ is a remake of the 1977 Clint Eastwood thriller. Eastwood also serves as a producer in this one. Starring Johansson, Tom Cruise, and Dan Matteucci, the film will follow Detective Shockley, who hijacks a bus to get a witness to the court so that he can testify against a mobster. But it is not an easy feat as corrupt cops are pursuing him. The film is currently in its pre-production phase and has yet to receive a release date.
6. Featherwood (TBA)
A true-crime thriller directed by Andrea Arnold, ‘Featherwood’ will feature Johansson (also producing) as addict/FBI informant Carol Blevins who helped the FBI with a 5-year investigation and a subsequent dismantling of Aryan Brotherhood Of Texas, a neo-Nazi crime and drug syndicate. She assisted in convicting as many as 13 gang members. However, the experience left her scarred physically and mentally due to the constant threat of being found out, in which case death was obvious. Ned Benson adapted the screenplay from Pulitzer Prize finalist/investigative journalist Scott Farwell’s award-winning, six-part Dallas Morning News article. No other cast member has been revealed, and the project is currently in its pre-production phase, with details about its release awaited.
7. Tower of Terror (TBA)
‘Tower of Terror’ is an upcoming horror-thriller film by Taika Waititi. The story revolves around five individuals who vanish after a lightning strike in a posh hotel elevator. The movie is a reboot of the eponymous 1997 TV movie inspired by Disney’s supernatural theme park ride called “The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.” The movie is penned by John August and Josh Cooley. Johansson is part of the cast in an undisclosed role and serves as a producer. The film is currently in the scripting stage, awaiting further updates.
8. Just Cause (TBA)
Johansson is gearing up for her debut major television role in the Amazon adaptation of John Katzenbach’s 1992 novel ‘Just Cause.’ In this limited series, Johansson will portray Madison “Madi” Cowart, a female rendition of the original character, while serving as an executive producer for the project. Cowart, a struggling Florida newspaper reporter, receives a letter from a death row inmate asserting innocence. As the investigation progresses, the case’s fragility becomes apparent, unveiling unsettling mysteries in the background. There is also another character, Matt Cowart, who is a Miami newspaper editorial writer who is undergoing a gender swap. Cord Jefferson and John Wells have been roped in to write the screenplay. The Amazon Prime Video project, adapted for the small screen by Christy Hall, is a work in progress and is awaiting more updates.
Read More: Lost in Translation: Where Was the Sofia Coppola Movie Filmed?
