Scarlett Johansson Opens Up About the ‘Hugeness’ of Premiering Her Directorial Debut at Cannes: ‘I’m Nervous, But Excited!’

Scarlett Johansson is about to embark on a thrilling new chapter in her career, one that will see her step behind the camera for the first time at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. The actress, who has captivated audiences for years with her roles in major blockbusters, is premiering her directorial debut, Eleanor the Great, at the 2025 festival.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Johansson shared her mixed emotions about the upcoming premiere. “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,” the 40-year-old star confessed. “I’m very proud of it and proud of all the work everybody did to make it.”

The film, Eleanor the Great, stars the legendary June Squibb as Eleanor, a 94-year-old woman who moves from Florida to New York City after experiencing a personal loss. Johansson, who is also producing the film, described the process of bringing the movie to life as a “humongous scramble.” But, with Squibb’s performance at its heart, Johansson had a clear vision for the film from the start.

“I said to [producing partner 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 recalled. “To have it actually become a reality is amazing. I’m still processing it.”

Johansson’s journey into directing is fueled by a deep sense of inspiration from her 10-year-old daughter, Rose Dorothy, who she shares with ex-husband Romain Dauriac. For Johansson, Eleanor the Great represents more than just a film—it’s an opportunity to connect her passion for storytelling with the very essence of her life’s experiences. This combination of nerves and excitement has led the actress to coin a new term: “nerve-citement.”

While Johansson is stepping into new territory with this directorial debut, she isn’t the only high-profile actor at Cannes this year unveiling their first film as a director. Harris Dickinson, known for Babygirl and The Iron Claw, will also debut Urchin, a film he wrote himself. This year’s festival will feature a variety of exciting premieres, including Emma Stone, Joaquin Phoenix, and Austin Butler’s Eddington, Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme (in which Johansson stars), and Denzel Washington and Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest. Cannes will also screen Tom Cruise’s highly anticipated Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning on May 14.

Johansson, who last appeared on the big screen in 2024′s Fly Me to the Moon, is set to return to blockbuster action with Jurassic World Rebirth, which will hit theaters on July 2. But for now, she is focused on her Cannes debut, embracing the overwhelming mix of emotions that come with the spotlight, and reflecting on how far she’s come as a filmmaker.

The 2025 Cannes Film Festival, running from May 13 to May 24, is sure to be an unforgettable moment for Johansson, her cast, and all those who have followed her remarkable career. With Eleanor the Great, she is ready to make her mark on a new chapter in the world of film.