“Now I’m bitter about it”: Scarlett Johansson Is Jealous of Spider-Man Star Kristen Dunst for Starring With Robin Williams in $262M Movie
Today, Scarlett Johansson has garnered immense recognition and adoration from fans primarily due to her exceptional portrayal of Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow, in a multitude of Marvel Cinematic Universe films. However, her illustrious career encompasses a diverse range of over 50 movies, showcasing her versatility as an actress. While her achievements in the film industry are undeniably remarkable, it is important to note that her journey has also been marked by a few missed opportunities, one of which was her failure to secure a role in the iconic movie Jumanji.
In Jumanji, the role of Judy Shepherd ultimately found its way into the capable hands of Kirsten Dunst, a decision that left Scarlett Johansson with a lingering sense of disappointment. As time has passed, Johansson might still reflect on this missed opportunity with a tinge of regret. After all, Jumanji became a beloved classic, and her inclusion in the film could have been a significant turning point in her career.
Scarlett Johansson’s Near Miss in a Classic Film
Jumanji, an enduring classic of the adventure and fantasy genre, featured a star-studded cast including Robin Williams, Bradley Pierce, and Kirsten Dunst. The film’s release marked a significant milestone in cinematic history, earning both critical acclaim and commercial success by grossing an impressive $263 million worldwide. However, one intriguing facet of Jumanji is the lesser-known fact that Scarlett Johansson auditioned for the role of Judy Shepherd, adding an intriguing layer to her illustrious career.
Scarlett Johansson‘s audition for the role of Judy Shepherd in Jumanji is a captivating part of her acting journey. At the time, her youthful innocence and burgeoning talent put her in contention for a character that would go on to become iconic in the world of family-oriented adventure films.
The role, however, ultimately found its way into the capable hands of Kirsten Dunst, which, as it turned out, marked a pivotal moment in Johansson’s life and career. While Scarlett Johansson may have described her initial reaction to losing the role as a mere shrug of childhood indifference, the reality behind the situation was far more complex. Johansson told on The Howard Stern Show,
“No, I wasn’t bitter about it enough then. Now I’m bitter about it.”
In hindsight, the young actress harbored a sense of jealousy and deep-seated regret for missing out on such an iconic role in her budding acting career. The passing years, combined with her growing understanding of the significance of Jumanji, only amplified these feelings.
Scarlett Johansson’s Early Audition Struggles and Triumphs
Scarlett Johansson’s journey in the entertainment industry began at a remarkably tender age, and one of the significant milestones along that path was her audition for the lead role in Jumanji when she was just 9 years old. Jumanji, the beloved film adaptation of Chris Van Allsburg’s 1981 children’s picture book, presented a tantalizing opportunity for the young Scarlett Johansson.
However, fate had a different plan, and the role of Judy went to another rising star, Kirsten Dunst. Undoubtedly, this could have been a moment of disappointment for Johansson, but it didn’t deter her in the least. Scarlett Johansson’s indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to her craft shone through. Just a few years after her near miss with Jumanji, in 1996, she secured her first leading role in the film Manny & Lo. This marked the beginning of her journey as a leading lady in the world of cinema.
Throughout her career, Scarlett Johansson encountered a few other missed opportunities, such as not landing the role of Fantine in Les Misérables and the twins Annie and Hallie in the 1998 film The Parent Trap. While these might have been moments of disappointment, they served as stepping stones in her journey toward becoming one of Hollywood’s most celebrated and versatile actresses.
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