Scarlett Johansson Felt “Hopeless and Frustrated” Because of Sandra Bullock: “Am I doing the right job?”
Scarlett Johansson is one of the few Hollywood stars, who has been able to establish a successful career by appearing in various films and showcasing her talents. But there was a time when she too felt helpless when one of her dream roles was bagged by another star.
Even though Johansson has a successful Hollywood career, she experienced her fair share of ups and downs. The Black Widow actress had to face challenging times in her career because of the Iron Man 2 and Gravity roles.
In addition, after initially missing out on the role of Black Widow, Johansson described how she felt “hopeless” after not being selected for a role in Gravity. Sandra Bullock played that role in the 2013 science fiction movie alongside George Clooney.
Additionally, Bullock received nominations for Best Actress at the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and BAFTAs for her role.
That particular rejection, according to the Asteroid City actress, “was sort of the straw that broke the camel’s back” because it caused her to reconsider her plans to work in the film business.
Scarlett Johansson Was Dejected After Losing The Role To Sandra Bullock
After Sandra Bullock won such a significant role, Scarlett Johansson admitted feeling helpless about her career.
In the early 2010s, Johansson started to make her move to become an A-list star in blockbuster projects after establishing herself as an actor in lesser-known films. Some of these movies include Lost in Translation, Ghost World, and a number of Woody Allen projects.
Of course, her big break came in 2010 when she played Black Widow in Iron Man 2. This certainly helped launch her long career as a major character in the MCU superhero franchise, making her a worldwide sensation.
The lead role in Alfonso Cuarón’s blockbuster sci-fi/action film, Gravity was one of the major roles that the 38-year-old pursued but was unsuccessful in landing. She discussed in her Variety interview how she was devastated to lose the lead role in Gravity to Sandra Bullock:
“I got turned down for two roles — the first was ‘Iron Man 2’ and then the other one was Alfonso Cuarón’s ‘Gravity.’ I had wanted that role so much. It was sort of the straw that broke the camel’s back. I felt really frustrated and hopeless. Like, ‘Am I doing the right job?’ The work I was being offered felt deeply unfulfilling. I think I was offered every Marilyn Monroe script ever. I was like, ‘Is this the end of the road creatively?’”
How Did She Bounce Back After Losing Gravity?
Gravity, which starred Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, was a huge success, earning $723 million at the global box office. Also, it earned its director, Alfonso Cuarón, an Oscar while also nominating Bullock for Best Actress. By chance, Emily Blunt dropped out of Iron Man 2, giving Scarlett Johansson the chance to get the coveted role of Black Widow.
Despite being a minor supporting character in Iron Man 2, Johansson’s Black Widow was memorable enough to earn a spot in MCU projects. Then in 2021, even though her character was killed off in The Avengers: Endgame, Johansson’s Black Widow received her own eagerly anticipated solo film.
Johansson missed out on Gravity, which at the time must have been devastating, but she recovered well and was propelled by the MCU to greater fame. As her career has progressed steadily upward for decades, making her one of the most bankable stars, missing out on Gravity ultimately proved to be just a blip in the road.
Well, she will soon be seen in a significant role in Wes Anderson’s eagerly anticipated, Asteroid City, which is set to release on June 16, 2023.
Source- Variety
