Scarlett Johansson opens up about her beginnings in the acting world. In a recent interview on the “Armchair Expert” podcast, host Dax Shepard praised the 37-year-old actress for her unique charm, dubbing it the mysterious “X factor” that captivates audiences when she’s on screen.
The actress famous for portraying the Black Widow character, acknowledged the compliment but pointed out that public perception of her has been skewed since she was young. Scarlett Johansson felt restricted and objectified in a manner that prevented her from landing the roles she really wanted. She mentioned that people often perceived her as older than she actually was, resulting in her being stereotyped in overly sexualized roles. Reflecting on her career, she expressed feeling constrained and trapped in a certain image that she did not want to be associated with.
She noted that the path to her achievements was challenging because people often mistook her young age for being older. Scarlett Johansson reminisced about feeling anxious and unsure when she played a 22-year-old character in “Lost in Translation” at the age of 17, starring alongside Bill Murray in 2003. Despite finding herself in roles that were beyond her years, she thanked her mother for looking out for her during those times. Johansson recognized a change in the entertainment industry, with young women and girls now being encouraged and empowered more than ever before.
“I’ve been impressed by the way younger actors in their twenties are able to take on so many different roles nowadays,” she noted. “It’s a new era where actors aren’t getting typecast like they used to, which I think is great. People are more versatile.” Shepard, who is 47, cited Zendaya as an example of this change, a sentiment that Johansson also supported by mentioning Florence Pugh as another instance. These shifts have created opportunities for young women to excel in Hollywood, but Johansson believes there’s still room for improvement. “In a male-dominated society, women will always face challenges,” she observed. “Even if men aren’t as outwardly aggressive as before, the imbalance of power still exists. It’s deeply rooted in our culture and society. It’s difficult for me to imagine a future where this isn’t a factor.”
The star of “Marriage Story” also shared her thoughts on navigating the complexities of the #MeToo movement as someone who straddles multiple generations. She highlighted the contrast between the pressure on women in the past to use their femininity and appeal to advance, versus the current emphasis on achieving success while staying true to one’s values. Scarlett Johansson observed the shift in younger women taking a stand against mistreatment and refusing to conform to outdated norms. Positioned at the intersection of these changing attitudes, Johansson remains optimistic about the future for women in the entertainment industry. She acknowledged that progress is a gradual process, with inevitable setbacks, and stressed the need to celebrate meaningful advancements, even when the path forward is not always straightforward. Johansson emphasized the importance of allowing room for individuals to evolve and learn, as sustainable change requires time and perseverance.
