Scarlett Johansson Says Some Studio Offers Leave Her Asking Why the Film Exists
Scarlett Johansson says some major studio offers leave her wondering why the movie is being made at all.
She made the remark to the Los Angeles Times while promoting "Paper Tiger," an independent drama. Variety reported her comments on 11 November 2026. Asked about studio projects she passes on, she said: "I don't think you should make this. I don't know who you're making this for. It seems irresponsible to make this."
Her test for a role is simpler than the big-budget pitch. She asks herself, "Am I making something that other people want to see? Is there an audience for this movie?" For an actor, that question sits at the start of every decision, long before a script reaches a studio's release calendar.
Johansson's most recent Hollywood tentpole was "Jurassic World Rebirth," released in 2025. A tentpole is a large, expensive film that a studio builds its year around, usually sold with a wide release and heavy advertising. "Paper Tiger" sits at the other end of the scale. Neon picked up the film shortly before it premiered at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year.
Her 2026 work has been on the bigger side. She spent much of the year shooting "The Exorcist: Martyrs," scheduled for cinemas on 12 March 2027, and "The Batman 2," scheduled for 18 February 2028. Both dates are set well ahead, which is typical for large films, where release slots are booked years in advance.
Her next production is "Scapegoat," a film directed by Ari Aster and backed by A24, an independent studio known for mid-sized films with distinctive voices. Jude Law co-stars. Johansson's choices across the year, from a small Cannes title to a studio horror sequel to an independent thriller, show how an actor can move between very different parts of the business.
Her comments are a reminder that every film on a screen has passed through a long line of decisions, from the first pitch to the last edit. Johansson's own test puts the audience question first. Whether that question shapes her next role will become clear only when her next project is announced.
