Renowned Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson recently confessed in a revealing interview that she came close to abandoning her acting career after experiencing a series of rejections for significant roles, one of which was eventually performed by Sandra Bullock.
The 38-year-old actress candidly described her struggle with feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy following several major rejections, one being for the character of Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a role initially offered to Emily Blunt.
Further disappointment ensued when she was passed over for a role in the science fiction film “Gravity,” which ultimately went to Sandra Bullock. Bullock’s performance in this film, alongside George Clooney, later earned her nominations for Best Actress at several prestigious award ceremonies, including the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and BAFTAs.
Johansson referred to this setback as the “final straw,” leading her to contemplate her future in the film industry. She disclosed to Variety that she questioned whether she had chosen the correct career path due to frustration and hopelessness.
After rising to fame with her breakout film “Lost In Translation,” Johansson questioned whether the roles offered her post-success was gratifying enough.
Breaking away from the image created by this movie proved challenging for her, and she often found herself questioning the creative prospects of her career.
However, Johansson’s luck shifted when Emily Blunt had to step back from “Iron Man 2” due to contractual commitments with Fox.
Johansson was given the chance to assume the role in the Marvel movie, which, though not substantial, opened new doors for her.
Scarlett Johansson’s journey did not stop there. Her Broadway performance in “A View from the Bridge,” as well as her roles in “Under The Skin” and “Her,” won critical acclaim.
She is filming scenes for Wes Anderson’s “Asteroid City,” sharing screen space with Tom Hanks, Margot Robbie, and Maya Hawke.
In another disclosure last month on The Skinny Confidential Him & Her podcast, Johansson revealed her decision to avoid social media due to her self-described ‘fragile’ personality.
She admitted to getting addicted and overwhelmed by platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, comparing her behavior to a toddler engrossed in their mother’s phone.
Johansson, married to SNL star Colin Jost and mother to two children, even recounted her brief stint on Instagram through her company’s account, which ended in her realizing the extensive time she spent scrolling through strangers’ profiles.
