The Role That Got Away – Scarlett Johansson shares her casting disappointments

For those on the outside, Hollywood seems to be a world of glitz, glamour, and endless success. However, behind the curtain, even top-tier actors like Scarlett Johansson grapple with the same trials and tribulations as up-and-coming talent.

In a recent, heart-to-heart with Variety, Johansson opened up about her own career struggles. Circa 2011, she found herself at a crossroads, questioning her career trajectory after losing out on two high-profile roles. She’d been passed over for parts in the blockbuster hit, Iron Man 2, and the critically acclaimed Gravity. The roles instead went to Emily Blunt and Sandra Bullock. It was a tough blow, one that led her to ponder whether she was in the right profession.

But as they say, when one door closes, another opens. And for Johansson, that door was a Marvel movie. When Blunt had to step down, Johansson was offered the part. This turned out to be a significant turning point in her career. Following this, she gave remarkable performances in Broadway’s A View from the Bridge, as well as films like Under the Skin, and Her.

But here’s the thing. Johansson’s journey isn’t an outlier in Hollywood. In fact, it’s more common than you’d think. Even established actors like Nicholas Hoult have missed out on major roles. He revealed he was overlooked for The Batman and Top Gun. Rachel McAdams passed on roles in Iron Man, Casino Royale, and The Devil Wears Prada, while Al Pacino admitted he was the first choice for a role in Star Wars, which eventually went to Harrison Ford.

And the list doesn’t stop there. Tom Hanks, a titan in the industry, was initially passed over for the lead role in Jerry Maguire, which was ultimately bagged by Tom Cruise. And Julia Roberts? She had to watch Gwyneth Paltrow take the role in Shakespeare in Love that she’d hoped to land.

All these stories serve as a stark reminder of the reality of Hollywood. Even for the A-listers, rejection is part and parcel of the acting world. But it also underlines something else – the importance of resilience. Despite setbacks, these actors pushed on, turning their losses into stepping stones for future success. It’s a critical lesson for everyone in the industry that success often comes after overcoming several hurdles. A testament to the old adage: “The show must go on!”

11th May 2023