Scarlett Johansson’s ‘Nerve-Citement’ Explained: The Untold Story of Her Directorial Journey to Cannes

Scarlett Johansson is stepping into a new role, one that takes her out of the spotlight and behind the camera. As the 2025 Cannes Film Festival approaches, Johansson is gearing up to premiere Eleanor the Great, her first feature-length film as a director. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she shared her mixture of excitement and nervousness as the premiere date nears.

The 40-year-old, known for her roles in both blockbusters and critically acclaimed films, has become a household name, but now, she is setting out on a new journey—one that brings with it a unique set of emotions. “Premiering in Cannes, I don’t know how I will be able to process the hugeness of it. It makes me nervous, but I’m excited as well,” Johansson confessed. “I’m very proud of it and proud of all the work everybody did to make it.”

Eleanor the Great is a poignant story featuring a stellar cast led by June Squibb, who portrays a 94-year-old woman moving from Florida to New York City to live with her daughter and grandson following a personal loss. The film also stars Chiwetel Ejiofor and Jessica Hecht. The subject matter deeply resonates with Johansson, who has spoken about her role as a mother influencing her perspective on storytelling.

The actress-turned-director described her feelings about the film’s premiere as a combination of nerves and excitement—what she coined as “nerve-citement.” Johansson credited her 10-year-old daughter, Rose Dorothy, whom she shares with ex-husband Romain Dauriac, as an inspiration for her venture into directing.

Reflecting on her dreams while filming Eleanor the Great, Johansson recalled how she envisioned June Squibb walking the red carpet at Cannes. “I said to [one of my producing partners, Jonathan Lia], ‘If I do my job well and do what I’m supposed to do, I can imagine June walking the Croisette at age 95, starring in this incredible dramatic role that she’s so amazing in,’ and I thought that would be my dream,” Johansson shared. “To have it actually become a reality is amazing. I’m still processing it.”

Her debut is among several high-profile directorial premieres at Cannes this year. Harris Dickinson will also unveil Urchin, his first self-written directorial effort, and Eleanor the Great will be accompanied by other exciting premieres, including Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme, starring Johansson herself, and Highest 2 Lowest, directed by Spike Lee and starring Denzel Washington.

After Eleanor the Great makes its world debut at Cannes, Johansson will return to her blockbuster roots with Jurassic World Rebirth, set to hit theaters on July 2. But for now, the actress-turned-director is savoring the moment, still in awe of how far her debut project has come. The Cannes Film Festival, taking place from May 13 to May 24, promises to be a significant milestone in Johansson’s already storied career, as she continues to expand her creative horizons.