Scarlett Johansson’s Shocking Injury on Set: ‘Almost Lost My Eye’

Scarlett Johansson has built an impressive career as one of Hollywood’s most talented and highest-paid stars, with her roles in films like Lost in Translation, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Lucy. However, her journey to the top hasn’t been without its risks. In fact, one of the most harrowing moments of her career occurred on the set of her first major blockbuster, The Island (2005), when an accident almost cost her an eye.

From Indie Darling to Blockbuster Star

By the time Johansson was offered The Island, she was no stranger to the spotlight. Having started her career at a young age, she had already worked alongside industry legends like Sean Connery (Just Cause), Robert Redford (The Horse Whisperer), and starred in the cult classic Ghost World. She had honed her craft through diverse roles, but nothing could have prepared her for the explosive world of Michael Bay’s signature “Bayhem.”

The Island was a science fiction film set in a dystopian future, with Johansson and Ewan McGregor playing clones seeking to escape the harsh realities of their existence. Despite the film’s lackluster box office performance, it marked a major milestone in Johansson’s career, pushing her into the realm of big-budget action films. But the transition came with its own set of challenges—none more dangerous than a close call on set that could have had disastrous consequences.

“I Almost Lost an Eye”

While The Island was known for its high-octane action sequences and stunning visual effects, it also came with inherent risks, especially in a Michael Bay film, where explosions and stunts are often performed in-camera. For Johansson, one of these risks became all too real. In an interview with Pop Entertainment, she casually mentioned, “I almost lost an eye. That was fun.”

Although she didn’t go into detail about the exact cause of the incident, given the nature of Bay’s films, it could have been anything from a rogue explosion to a flying piece of debris. The sheer chaos of Bay’s sets, designed to capture as much action as possible in real-time, often leaves little room for safety mishaps, and Johansson’s near-miss was a stark reminder of the dangers involved in big-budget filmmaking.

Adding to the tension on set, co-star Ewan McGregor was reportedly terrified when he saw Johansson’s injury. “Ewan was so freaked out,” Johansson recalled, describing the situation with a touch of understated humor. “Almost losing my eye, that was really a drag.” While it’s clear that the incident was alarming, Johansson’s experience of “suffering for the art” took on a whole new level that day.

A One-Time Deal

Fortunately, Johansson’s injury was not as serious as it could have been, and she emerged from the incident with her sight fully intact. The film was wrapped without further mishaps, and Johansson’s career continued to soar. Looking back, she expressed that the incident was just a part of the learning curve for an actor stepping into the world of high-stakes action filmmaking.

Since The Island, Johansson has starred in numerous action-packed films, including her iconic role as Natasha Romanoff in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She also took on leading roles in Lucy (2014), Ghost in the Shell (2017), and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018). Thankfully, none of these later films have resulted in eye injuries, thanks to advancements in safety measures and Johansson’s growing experience with demanding action scenes.

A Star With a Long History of Action Roles

While The Island may have been a formative experience for Johansson in terms of physical challenges, it was far from her only action-packed role. Her portrayal of Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow in the MCU has made her a fan favorite, and she continued to dazzle audiences in action roles in Lucy, where she portrays a woman who gains superhuman abilities, and Ghost in the Shell, a live-action adaptation of the anime classic. Throughout these roles, Johansson has honed her action chops while navigating the inherent dangers that come with stunt work.

Conclusion: A Career Built on Resilience

Scarlett Johansson’s career has been one of resilience, marked by her ability to take on diverse roles and continue evolving as an actress. While The Island was the film that almost cost her an eye, it also helped catapult her into the world of action cinema, setting the stage for the thrilling and varied roles that would follow. With her incredible talent and unshakable determination, Johansson has proven time and again that no matter the challenge, she’s always ready for the next big adventure—preferably with both eyes intact.