Scarlett Johansson Defends Viral Red Carpet Kisses with Co-Star Jonathan Bailey
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Scarlett Johansson has addressed the buzz surrounding her affectionate red carpet kisses with Jurassic World Rebirth co-star Jonathan Bailey, putting the public speculation to rest with humor and warmth.
The 40-year-old actress and 37-year-old Bailey made headlines after sharing kisses during the London premiere of the film on June 17. They followed up with another on June 23 at the New York City premiere, where Johansson’s husband, Saturday Night Live star Colin Jost, was present.
During a recent Today show interview, host Craig Melvin brought up the viral moments, jokingly referencing Bailey’s appeal. “He’s so attractive,” Melvin said. Johansson responded with a grin, “Yeah, you said it!” When Melvin asked, “Is that why we keep planting lips on him?” Johansson laughed, “He’s a lovable guy, what can I say? I don’t know. We’re just friendly people.”
Johansson shrugged off the public reaction: “Nothing surprises me these days,” she said. “But yeah, I’ve got a lot of love to give, what can I say?”
Bailey, who publicly came out as gay in 2018, shared his take on the affectionate displays during an interview with Entertainment Tonight at the New York premiere. “I believe in being able to show love in all different ways. And if you can’t kiss your friends … life’s too short not to,” the Wicked star remarked.
About Jurassic World Rebirth
The film marks the fourth installment in the Jurassic World series and the seventh in the overall Jurassic Park franchise. Set five years after Jurassic World Dominion (2022), it follows Johansson’s character, Zora Bennett, who leads a team on a high-stakes mission to a dangerous island research facility originally used for Jurassic Park. Their goal is to secure dinosaur genetic material that could have life-saving applications for humanity, but the team uncovers a dark secret that has been hidden for decades.
Alongside Johansson and Bailey, the cast includes Mahershala Ali, Rupert Friend, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, and Ed Skrein.
Family-Friendly Frights
Speaking with E! News at the New York premiere, Johansson opened up about her approach to sharing the PG-13-rated film with her 10-year-old daughter, Rose. “I’ve been talking to some other Jurassic fans, and they say this is the scariest one, but I would let my daughter see it,” Johansson said. “It’s still appropriate for the family. You just gotta watch it through the crack in your fingers.”
Johansson shares Rose with her ex-husband, Romain Dauriac, whom she divorced in 2017. She and Colin Jost, married since 2020, are parents to 3-year-old son Cosmo.
With her candid and playful defense of the red carpet kisses, Scarlett Johansson not only quells rumors but also highlights the genuine friendship and fun behind the scenes of Jurassic World Rebirth—a film poised to thrill audiences worldwide.
