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Cannes 2025: Scarlett Johansson’s surprising directorial debut
Between starring in the new film Jurassic World: Renaissance and an appearance at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival for Wes Anderson’s latest project, Scarlett Johansson is everywhere. After directing her first short film in 2009, the 40-year-old actress is now at the helm of her very first feature: Eleanor the Great. Here’s everything we already know about this drama starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, which is set to electrify the Croisette.”
Scarlett Johansson steps behind the camera with Eleanor the Great
Known for her roles in major Hollywood blockbusters, American actress Scarlett Johansson is set to take on a more intimate story for her first directorial effort. After directing a short film in 2009 (These Vagabond Shoes), Johansson is now preparing her first feature film, Eleanor the Great. A theatrical release is planned, marking a significant milestone in her career. The actress has been expressing her desire to move into directing for several years.
First look at Scarlett Johansson’s Eleanor the Great (2025).
Selected for Cannes 2025
Eleanor the Great tells the story of Eleanor Morgenstein, a 90-year-old woman trying to rebuild her life after the death of her best friend. This loss prompts her to leave Florida, where she has lived for many years, and return to New York.
While a release date has yet to be announced, filming wrapped in April 2024 in New York, with key scenes shot in Coney Island. Before it hits theaters, the film will premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
Chiwetel Ejiofor in the movie 12 Years A Slave (2014) © Mars Distribution.
Chiwetel Ejiofor joins the cast of Scarlett Johansson’s first feature
On the casting side, Johansson has enlisted several acclaimed actors: Oscar-nominated June Squibb (Nebraska), Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave, Doctor Strange), and Erin Kellyman (Blitz).
Rounding out the cast is Jessica Hecht (Friends), in a role that marks a reunion with Johansson—the two previously shared the stage in the Tony-nominated Broadway production A View from the Bridge. As for whether Scarlett Johansson herself will appear on screen in her film, that remains to be seen…
Cannes 2025, Wes Anderson, Jurassic World… quite a busy for the actress
While Eleanor the Great is a turning point in Johansson’s career, 2025 has more in store for the actress. In May, she’ll be back at Cannes as part of the cast for Wes Anderson’s new film (The Grand Budapest Hotel director). Titled The Phoenician Scheme, this espionage thriller also stars Bryan Cranston, Willem Dafoe, and Tom Hanks. Its Cannes premiere is scheduled just before its U.S. release on May 30, 2025.
Then, in July 2025, Scarlett Johansson returns to the spotlight with a lead role in Jurassic World: Renaissance, the first chapter in a new trilogy. She’ll star alongside Jonathan Bailey and Mahershala Ali as a fearless former soldier. Clearly, the Black Widow star still has plenty of surprises in store…
Eleanor the Great (2025), directed by Scarlett Johansson, does not yet have a confirmed release date.
