During a recent Zoom call, Scarlett Johansson sat down for an in-depth discussion with David Harbour, focusing on their shared experiences as actors in Marvel projects and the unique journey of portraying both superheroes and ordinary people. The conversation, which touched on Harbour’s career, his time with Stranger Things and Marvel, and the physical and emotional challenges of acting, offers valuable insight into what it means to live life on and off the screen. The Scarlett Johansson interview with David Harbour on acting and Marvel reveals rarely shared aspects of their roles, personal changes, and shifting perspectives in the entertainment industry.
Starting a New Phase: From Superheroes to Middle-Aged Roles
David Harbour, recognized for his portrayal of a steadfast cop in Stranger Things and a washed-up hero in Thunderbolts, is now embracing a new character for an HBO series named DTF St. Louis. Preparing for such a transformation brought about an unusual requirement: Harbour wears a 40-pound prosthetic belly, designed to reflect his character’s self-doubt about his physique. This physical addition, crafted by a team of specialists, was the primary subject as the interview began in his trailer in Atlanta, where he quipped about the “Sports Illustrated bikini model” design and its realistic features.
Harbour described how the prosthetic belly is attached firmly and moves in sync with his body, achieving an impressive level of realism with the help of experts on set. When asked whether the transformation was modeled after himself, he admitted it was, but with exaggerated weight to fit the character. The collaboration between actor and effects team highlighted the evolving technology available for actors to shift appearances without requiring major lifestyle changes. Harbour joked about not committing to gaining the actual weight, instead opting for the prosthetic solution for practicality.
Filming for the HBO show took place mainly in Atlanta, sometimes replicating other environments such as New York by constructing sets from shipping containers, and venturing as far as Utah for additional authentic scenes. Describing a lengthy limousine sequence shot practically under challenging conditions, Harbour noted the intent of director Jake Schreier to embrace a filmmaking approach reminiscent of earlier times when productions involved traveling and hands-on work, rather than relying heavily on computer graphics. This old-school style created memorable, bonding experiences among the cast despite initial annoyances.
Transitions: Balancing Big Budget Films and Indie Projects
Harbour’s recent work has alternated between large productions like Stranger Things and Marvel movies and more grounded roles, with the current HBO series offering a refreshing return to personal themes. He noted that switching between genre-heavy blockbusters and smaller, more intimate projects provides a necessary balance in his career. The extended commitment required for long-running series like Stranger Things can, over time, lead to creative fatigue. Harbour explained that while initial enthusiasm for a beloved cast and story is strong, years of repeating character beats spurred his desire for risk and unfamiliar territory, a sentiment often echoed by fellow actors.
Scarlett Johansson, reflecting on her decade in Marvel films, echoed Harbour’s feelings. She recalled how in ensemble-heavy movies, her character sometimes became a plot device, with less opportunity for substantial engagement. She shared,
“I can’t paint my nails, I can’t get a haircut.”
Johansson stated that such commitments consume an actor’s identity for extended periods, at times making her feel constrained even in daily life. Long shoots and the structure of major franchises leave little room for personal expression during filming seasons, underlining the intensity and sacrifices made for such work.
Adaptation and Routine: Dealing with Extended Commitments
As Harbour discussed the completion of Stranger Things, he recalled advice from friends who predicted eventual restlessness with long-term TV work.
“By season three or four you’ll be running,”
he was told, though at first he doubted it. With nearly a decade devoted to the show, Harbour has now arrived at a point where he seeks new challenges and the opportunity to take creative risks, noting the desire to avoid repeating the same stories indefinitely.
The pair also explored the pressures of switching between major studio projects and other work. Juggling commitments from both Stranger Things and Thunderbolts proved to be a double-edged sword for Harbour, who found solace in keeping himself busy but acknowledged a tendency to become restless when off work. Relocating to Atlanta for filming, Harbour established a home where he gardens and interacts with local wildlife, engaging in activities such as growing berries and observing hawks. He drew comparisons to the artistic communities he remembered from New York’s East Village, contrasting them with the more brand-conscious culture among today’s younger residents of Manhattan.
Reflections on Technology’s Impact and Social Media Presence
The conversation shifted to the effect of technology and social media in both personal and professional lives. Harbour remarked that the advent of smartphones has transformed society, calling it “the game changer for everything.” He sometimes reverts to using a flip phone to disconnect from the online world, describing the process as freeing and clarifying priorities by making less room for superficial needs.
Johansson, who is not active on social media, attributed her absence to a desire for privacy and a reluctance to maintain the curated personas demanded by online platforms. Harbour echoed this sentiment, stating,
Come on in, let me show you my world.
He shared that while he was once eager to invite audiences into his personal life, the burden of performing his real self soon became exhausting. Now, Harbour’s social media accounts function primarily as promotional channels, posting advertisements for current projects. He acknowledged the trend of studios caring about follower numbers and suggested that one day he may leave it all to publicity professionals.
Marvel Secrets and Ongoing Roles
Midway through the interview, the discussion turned to future Marvel projects. Johansson probed Harbour about his participation in the next Avengers film, referencing friends involved in filming. Harbour confirmed his announcement as part of the cast. The playful banter encompassed their characters’ longevity within the Marvel universe, with jokes about resurrections and plot consequences. These exchanges highlighted Johansson’s role as both an actor and executive producer, even if she at times disassociated herself from projects where she felt uninvolved.
Navigating Changes in Work-Life Balance and Identity
The pair examined how constant work and switching between projects affect day-to-day routines. Harbour shared anecdotes about managing overlapping schedules for Stranger Things and Thunderbolts, relying on structure and routine to anchor himself amid the chaos of the industry. He briefly recounted everyday activities in Atlanta, including forays into gardening and mundane hobbies, finding enjoyment in these simple tasks outside of his acting commitments.
Johansson and Harbour discussed the challenges of relationships for actors, noting that dating people outside the industry can be complicated. Both agreed that it is easier to relate to fellow artists, as outsiders may struggle to grasp the unique demands and emotional connections formed during creative work. Johansson described how actors create strong bonds on set and must often navigate complex boundaries while maintaining loyalty to their partners. She stated,
“Also, to have a relationship with the public can be a complicated thing for people outside of the industry to understand.”
The Role of Routine and Solitude in an Actor’s Life
Routines are a crucial mechanism for coping with the unpredictability of acting. Harbour and Johansson acknowledged their shared preference for consistency during productions, with routines extending from diet and dress to daily habits. Harbour spoke about his approach to preparing for theater, outlining how rituals keep him focused and grounded, both on stage and on film. Johansson observed that routines provide space to inhabit a character fully, avoiding distractions outside the work. Harbour elaborated, explaining that intense immersion in a role can feel richer and more meaningful than everyday experiences, justifying the sacrifices required by the profession.
Looking Back: Early Experiences and the Impact of High School
The interview ventured into Harbour’s formative years, where he recounted intense teenage interests in philosophy, literature, and drama. He began acting in high school and participated in productions such as Agatha Christie’s Ten Little Indians, playing William Henry Blore with affectation and enthusiasm. He shared that his aspiration to become a professional actor was clear from early on, though he doubted its feasibility due to expectations of pursuing conventional careers.
Friendships in those years were described as somewhat unconventional, with Harbour noting he surrounded himself with what he termed “weirdos” and a mix of individuals who went on to divergent paths, including law and television. He reminisced about his first love, actress Emily Schulman from Small Wonder, highlighting that his network often included artists and actors even in youth.
Pursuing a Life in the Arts: Love, Hate, and the Joys of Independence
Responding to questions about relationships, Harbour admitted that he typically dated other artists rather than people with conventional jobs, finding a certain camaraderie among “carny freaks.” He referenced a scenario from an Apple TV show portraying the disconnect between people in creative fields and those in traditional careers. Harbour recognized a recurring love-hate dynamic with the artistic lifestyle, recalling difficult periods performing in off-Broadway productions for minimal pay. Nevertheless, he acknowledged these moments as instrumental in shaping his approach to acting and life.
In their present routines, both actors described a degree of hermit-like behavior, focusing on simple comforts in unfamiliar towns during shoots, seeking out trustworthy diners and movie theaters and clinging to predictability amid frequent relocation. Harbour likened this to mild obsessive tendencies designed to cultivate an immersive environment for each new character, while Johansson described the routines as a way to ensure ample mental space during demanding projects.
Habit, Liberation, and Changing Perspectives on Fame
The prosthetic belly’s role extended beyond just altering Harbour’s appearance for the HBO role. Harbour described the liberating experience of performing shirtless in scenes while wearing it, comparing the sensation to mask work that releases him from personal self-consciousness. In discussing vice and indulgences, he confessed a strong love for donuts, stating that with the prosthetic’s cover, dietary concerns seemed temporarily irrelevant.
Harbour reflected humorously on the transformations in his life, from playing intense roles and navigating stardom, to conventions of fame in the digital age. The transition from inviting fans into his world to drawing boundaries for privacy was a recurring theme, emphasizing a need for detachment rather than participation in social media spectacle. As Johansson joked about supporting him on social media, the dialogue further highlighted the differences in their public approaches.
Looking to the Future: Theatre, Film, and New Projects
Discussing upcoming opportunities, Harbour talked about his continued interest in theater, though he expressed ambivalence rooted in both difficult and rewarding past experiences. While the present schedule makes new theatrical commitments unlikely, he expressed enthusiasm for a return when possible. Johansson shared observations from recent theater outings and inquired about Harbour’s cinematic habits. He recounted frequenting smaller theaters to watch films alone on days off, returning him to childhood patterns and a sense of independence.
The conversation concluded with Harbour acknowledging his solitary tendencies stretching back to high school, shaped by intellectual and artistic curiosity. His initial entry into acting, involvement in philosophy and literature, and persistent inclination toward solitude and deep reading have remained consistent threads in his life. Johansson recognized this, noting the similarities in their approach to work and routine, and echoed by the laughter and camaraderie that had run throughout their conversation.
Context and Significance: Evolving Approaches to Acting and Public Life
The interview closed as both Johansson and Harbour prepared to resume their respective projects, reflecting on years of friendship and changing perspectives in their careers. Their exchange illustrates the ways actors adapt to intense professional demands while maintaining personal authenticity, a process shaped by an evolving industry and shifting cultural expectations about public and private life. As Harbour transitions from iconic roles to more grounded characters, and Johansson continues to cultivate a boundary between public image and personal reality, their discussion stands as a candid exploration of the complexities faced by artists navigating the intersections of creativity, fame, and self-discovery.
