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. Fly Me to the Moon (2024)
This Apple TV+ rom-com (formerly ‘Project Artemis’) is helmed by the talented director Greg Berlanti. It is based on a story by Keenan Flynn and Bill Kirstein, on which Rose Gilroy based the script. Transporting audiences to the 1960s, this cinematic gem dives into the thrilling era of the 1960s space race. It explores the relationship that develops between the director of NASA’s Apollo 11 mission and a marketing executive hired to fix NASA’s public image by staging a fake moon landing as backup. Johansson and Channing Tatum are leading the stellar cast, supported by an ensemble including Jim Rash, Ray Romano, Woody Harrelson, Colin Woodell, Alex Veadov, Jessie Mueller, and Christian Clemenson. The film will be released in theaters on July 12, 2024. You can watch the trailer here.
2. Transformers One (2024)
Prepare to embark on an exciting journey into the ‘Transformers’ universe with Paramount Pictures ‘Transformers One,’ an upcoming animated film that serves as a prequel and origin story to this iconic franchise. Set against the backdrop of the mechanized world of Cybertron, home to the valiant Autobots and the menacing Decepticons, the film delves deep into the complex relationship between Megatron and Optimus Prime. Steering the creative helm is the acclaimed animation director Josh Cooley, known for his outstanding work on ‘Up’ and ‘Toy Story 4.’
Adding her voice to the mix, Johansson takes on the role of Elita alongside Chris Hemsworth, Jon Hamm, Laurence Fishburne, Brian Tyree Henry, and Keegan-Michael Key. Currently in post-production, ‘Transformers One’ is scheduled to transform onto the big screen on September 20, 2024, promising an epic prequel adventure for fans of this iconic franchise. You can watch the trailer here.
3. Jurassic World 4 (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 under wraps, but the cast has been revealed: Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, Mahershala Ali, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, and Luna Blaise. Currently in its pre-production, the film is slated to be released on July 2, 2025.
4. North Star (TBA)
‘North Star’ 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, and audiences worldwide eagerly await news of its impending international release date.
5. The Phoenician Scheme (TBA)
Johansson has reportedly been 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 wrote the screenplay. While these actors are all new additions, the original cast includes Benicio del Toro, Bill Murray, Michael Cera, and Mia Threapleton. More details about such a stellar and talented cast, plot, and potential release are eagerly awaited.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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 development stage, awaiting further updates.
9. 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 project, adapted for the small screen by Christy Hall, is in its early stages and is awaiting more updates.
10. 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 production, ‘Eleanor the Great’ awaits a release date.
11. Paris Paramount (TBA)
A romantic comedy written and directed by Nancy Meyers (‘It’s Complicated,’ ‘What Women Want’) has been in development for quite some time now. Starring Scarlett Johansson, Michael Fassbender, Owen Wilson, and Penélope Cruz, it explores a filmmaking duo who, after a string of love and fallouts, reunite on a film set. As of now, this is all that is known, along with the fact that it is in nascent stages of development, including talks with Warner Bros after getting axed by Netflix reportedly due to budget concerns. We will have to wait for more details.
Read More: Lost in Translation: Where Was the Sofia Coppola Movie Filmed?
