Scarlett Johansson made a notable entrance at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival with her directorial debut, Eleanor the Great, drawing attention not just for her film but also because of unrest swirling around some connected names in Hollywood. The Scarlett Johansson Eleanor the Great directorial debut premiere comes at a time when behind-the-scenes legal conflicts involving producer Justin Baldoni and other stars are making headlines.
Launching Eleanor the Great at Cannes Amid Major Headlines
Scarlett Johansson’s feature film, Eleanor the Great, starring June Squibb, marked her first time in the director’s chair and premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2025. The film received partial funding from Wayfarer Studios, led by Justin Baldoni, who recently found himself at the center of a public legal dispute with Blake Lively. This back-and-forth legal battle has even widened to bring in notable figures such as Taylor Swift and Ryan Reynolds. Ryan Reynolds, known for his wit onscreen and off, was previously married to Johansson from 2008 to 2011 before she wed comedian and Saturday Night Live (SNL) star Colin Jost in 2020.
Discussing the making of the film, Johansson credited Wayfarer Studios for providing strong support throughout the production of Eleanor the Great. She candidly referred to the timing as “such weird timing,” considering the ongoing controversy among Hollywood’s elite linked to her film by association.
Scarlett Johansson on Working With Studios and Surviving the Spotlight
Addressing how she managed to keep her film project steady amid the growing legal chaos, Johansson reiterated the supportive role of Justin Baldoni’s Wayfarer Studios. These remarks came as she navigated questions about how the offscreen drama might have influenced the premiere. Even with external tensions, the focus remained on her achievement as both director and storyteller.
A Glimpse Into Johansson’s Personal Life and Comic Relief
Johansson’s personal circle often pops up in coverage about her, especially following her marriage to Colin Jost, a familiar face to fans of SNL’s Weekend Update. In a candid 2024 interview on Live With Kelly & Mark, she offered heartfelt admiration for her husband:
“He is a very, very, very great guy. I’m extremely lucky. He’s a kind person and he’s hilarious and thoughtful and loving and he’s a great dad and I love him. I feel very, very lucky.”
—Scarlett Johansson, Actress
The couple’s playful relationship entered the spotlight again during a December 2024 Weekend Update joke swap, when Michael Che, another SNL comedian, tricked Jost into reading a joke about Costco no longer serving a certain sandwich. Johansson witnessed the moment, later reflecting,
“Costco has removed the roast beef sandwich from its menu,”
—Colin Jost, SNL Anchor
“But I ain’t trippin’. I’ve been eating roast beef every night since my wife had the kid.”
—Colin Jost, SNL Anchor
The surprise nature of the joke left Johansson momentarily dumbfounded, as she exclaimed,
“I didn’t expect the setup to be like that. I was like, ‘Wow, you really are seventh-, eighth-grade boys,’”
—Scarlett Johansson, Actress
Not one to let a moment pass, Johansson mentioned her own plans for a humorous response, hinting at some light-hearted payback aimed at Michael Che:
“I feel like it’s almost my responsibility to come up with some way to burn Michael back. Retaliation, I’d say, should be expected. Others on the show could support this desire. Know what I mean?”
—Scarlett Johansson, Actress
What Lies Ahead for Johansson and Her Growing List of Projects
As Johansson’s stature grows—from collaborating with Wes Anderson to stepping behind the camera—her debut directing role with Eleanor the Great signals a significant new chapter. The strong presence of June Squibb in the film and the support from Wayfarer Studios, despite offscreen disputes, reflect the complex mix of creation and controversy that often marks Hollywood. The involvement of stars like Blake Lively, Taylor Swift, and Ryan Reynolds in the broader legal context draws more eyes to the project, showcasing how entertainment and celebrity conflict can become tightly intertwined.
Looking forward, Johansson will transition from director to leading actress once again, appearing in Jurassic World: Rebirth, which arrives in theaters on July 2, 2025. As attention remains firmly on Johansson’s career, both her creative endeavors and personal wit ensure she stays a prominent figure amidst evolving industry news.
