Scarlett Johansson Becomes Hollywood’s Highest-Grossing Lead Actor Thanks to ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’

Scarlett Johansson has officially claimed a new crown in Hollywood—becoming the highest-grossing lead actor at the global box office (before inflation adjustment). This milestone comes four years after her departure from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and is propelled by the massive success of Jurassic World: Rebirth.

In the latest installment of the iconic dinosaur franchise, Johansson steps into the spotlight, replacing Chris Pratt as the lead star. She portrays ex-military operative Zora Bennett, who embarks on a daring mission to one of the last remaining islands inhabited by dinosaurs, following the dramatic events of the Jurassic World trilogy. The film has roared into theaters with a $318 million global launch within its first six days, ranking second only to China’s animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2 among all 2025 releases.

Box Office Breakdown

According to data from The Numbers, Johansson’s career box office total now stands at $14.8 billion for films in which she has a lead or lead ensemble role. More than half of that—over $8.7 billion—originates from her tenure as Natasha Romanov (Black Widow) in four Avengers films and Captain America: Civil War. Her tally also includes ensemble roles in Iron Man 2 (her MCU debut) and the two Sing animated movies, where she lent her voice to Ash, a rock-loving porcupine.

Among the top five highest-grossing lead actors tracked by The Numbers, Johansson stands out as the only female actor and the only one who has not appeared in a Marvel film aside from the aforementioned MCU credits. The others topping the list are Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Pratt—all MCU veterans—and Tom Hanks, the only actor without Marvel ties.

Samuel L. Jackson previously held the record with $14.6 billion in career lead roles, boosted by his portrayal of Nick Fury and roles in Pixar’s The Incredibles films, which The Numbers counts as lead ensemble roles.

Robert Downey Jr., often dubbed the founding father of the MCU, currently has $14.2 billion in leading roles, with roughly $11.8 billion coming from his nine Marvel outings. His Oscar-winning supporting role in Oppenheimer—a $976 million box office hit—is not included in that tally.

What’s Next for the Box Office Race?

The rivalry for the crown isn’t over. Downey Jr. has a chance to reclaim the top spot when Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters in December 2026, with a possible follow-up in 2027 titled Avengers: Secret Wars. Whether these films count a return of Johansson’s Black Widow character—who has repeatedly stated she’s done with the MCU—remains uncertain, especially given potential multiverse plotlines.

A New Era for Scarlett Johansson

Johansson’s ascent to the top is a testament to her versatility and enduring star power, now bolstered by her lead role in Jurassic World: Rebirth. The film’s explosive debut signals a promising new chapter for the actress beyond her Marvel legacy, solidifying her status as one of Hollywood’s most bankable leading actors.

With box office giants like Johansson, Downey Jr., and Jackson continuing to headline major franchises, the battle for Hollywood’s top-grossing lead actor remains one to watch in the coming years.