Cannes Premiere: Scarlett Johansson Reveals the One Script That Made Her Cry – And Why It’s So Personal

Scarlett Johansson has spent nearly three decades in the entertainment industry, building a remarkable career as an actress, producer, and Oscar-nominated star. Yet, from the very beginning, she harbored a dream that had yet to come true: to direct. At the age of 12, she knew exactly what she wanted to do—become a director. It wasn’t until years later, however, that the opportunity to bring her vision to life truly arrived.

Her journey toward that dream started on the set of The Horse Whisperer, where she worked with Robert Redford. The way Redford engaged with his actors, the understanding he showed, left an indelible mark on her. Scarlett thought to herself, I want to do that someday. However, her path was not without its twists. She immersed herself in acting, starring in films across genres and eventually producing projects through her company, These Pictures. Yet, for a long time, the right project to direct never came along.

That was until 2019, when a script found its way to her hands, a script that would set her on the path to becoming a director. It was the story of Eleanor, a lonely older woman who moves to New York after losing her best friend, an intimate and moving tale of grief, forgiveness, and new beginnings. The script’s simplicity and emotional depth resonated with Scarlett on a deeply personal level. When I read it, I cried, and that almost never happens, she confessed. It was a story she felt compelled to tell, one that brought her back to the independent films she grew up loving in the ‘90s, like Crossing Delancey and Living Out Loud. She knew, in that moment, that this was her project.

The process of bringing Eleanor The Great to life was as emotionally charged as the script itself. Scarlett worked tirelessly, trusting her instincts and bringing her unique perspective to the film. She recalled how strange it was to shift from being in front of the camera to behind it. “I’ve lived with this project for so long, and now to share it with everyone, it’s a completely different experience,” she said. But she was ready. The film was a personal story, one that reflected her growth as an artist and a person.

The film, which stars June Squibb, Erin Kellyman, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, has already garnered attention for its heart and authenticity. The fact that Scarlett Johansson—one of the biggest stars in the world—committed to telling this quiet, character-driven story speaks volumes about her evolution as an artist. Eleanor The Great is not about big moments or loud statements; it’s a small, profound exploration of a woman’s journey toward forgiveness and self-acceptance.

As the film prepares for its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section, Scarlett Johansson’s story is one of persistence, passion, and transformation. She took a leap of faith, trusting in her vision and using her platform to bring a story to life that might have otherwise been overlooked. Her journey to becoming a director is a reminder that it’s never too late to follow your dreams, to take risks, and to trust in the power of your own voice. Through Eleanor The Great, Scarlett Johansson has not only realized her dream but has also reminded us all of the importance of believing in the stories we feel are worth telling.