During the 2008 filming of The Other Boleyn Girl, Scarlett Johansson showed steadfast support for her co-star Natalie Portman, who endured intense discomfort from a constricting period costume but hesitated to speak up. Johansson noticed Portman’s quiet distress and stepped in to advocate for her, demonstrating solidarity in an industry known for competition among actresses. This moment sheds light on Johansson defending Natalie Portman when Portman was not in a position to express her objections.
A Rare Bond Beyond Rivalry
The two actresses, who portrayed aristocratic rivals caught in a perilous love triangle with King Henry VIII on screen, shared a contrasting camaraderie off camera. While their characters clashed in dramatic fashion, Johansson and Portman maintained a relationship grounded in mutual respect and support. Johansson’s attentiveness to Portman’s condition revealed not only her compassion but also the challenges actors face balancing physical demands and on-set dynamics.
Johansson Speaks Out for Portman’s Well-Being
Portman quietly endured pain from a tight costume that restricted her, but she was reluctant to complain. Johansson recounted the challenge, telling W magazine,
“Natalie would be uncomfortable in her costume and not say anything. She’d tell me, ‘My rib is killing me.’ I’d be like, ‘Natalie, why don’t you say something?’ I’d have to be like, ‘Hellooo, someone, Natalie’s rib is hurting! Can you fix her zipper?’”
—Scarlett Johansson, Actress
This exchange highlights Johansson’s role in amplifying Portman’s discomfort to the crew, intervening when Portman remained silent, an uncommon gesture in a hierarchy-driven, high-pressure environment.
Portman’s Hesitation Reflects On-Set Realities
Portman acknowledged that confronting issues on set was difficult for her. Discussing her tendency to avoid conflict, she shared,
“My avoidance is a bit much. As an actor, you have to respect your position and know that you are fulfilling someone else’s vision. Mike Nichols always quotes Mamet’s line: ‘Film is a collaborative business: bend over.’”
—Natalie Portman, Actress
Her comments emphasize the sacrifices actors make in service of a director’s vision, often at the cost of personal comfort, revealing deeper tensions behind film production.
Choosing Projects for the Right Collaborations
Their working relationship began even before filming. Portman only committed to playing Anne Boleyn if Johansson was also part of the cast. Portman explained her motivation,
“I read the script and loved it and came on as Anne. I said I only want to do it if Scarlett does it. I had watched her for so long since we were kids, and she’s so true always, and so good.”
—Natalie Portman, Actress
Johansson reciprocated the admiration, confirming she joined the project partly because Portman was involved, stating,
“A major part of why I joined the project is because Natalie was involved. I’ve been a huge fan of Natalie’s for a long time, and I’ve always loved her choices and her performances. I’d never had the opportunity to work on such an even playing field with my peer.”
—Scarlett Johansson, Actress
A Lasting Collaboration and Continued Respect
Their professional bond enriched the filming experience, with Portman reflecting that working alongside Johansson was among her most rewarding acting moments. She remarked,
“It was really, really one of my best, if not the best, acting experiences opposite someone my age.”
—Natalie Portman, Actress
More than a decade later, Johansson and Portman briefly reunited on screen in the 2019 blockbuster Avengers: Endgame, further highlighting their ongoing professional connection.
The Importance of Advocating for Peers in Hollywood
The story of Johansson defending Portman serves as a potent example of the need for allies within the entertainment industry, especially when personal discomfort or fear of confrontation prevents someone from speaking up. Their friendship challenges the often adversarial narratives surrounding actresses on set, offering a reminder that support and respect can thrive even in competitive fields.
As audiences continue to follow the careers of both Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman, their past and ongoing collaborations underscore the value of empathy and solidarity amid the pressures of filmmaking.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Ryan Reynolds and Scarlett Johansson split?
A. This story belongs to the “it’s all in the past” type in celebrity news. Both Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds are happily with new partners now. However, Scarlett recently hinted at why her marriage to Ryan ended. She suggested that they were too competitive with each other.
Q. What is Scarlett Johansson’s religion?
A. Her family, originally with the last name Schlamberg, escaped from Poland and Russia and is Jewish. She has an older sister, Vanessa, who acts too, an older brother, Adrian, and a twin brother, Hunter.
Q. What is the religion of Scarlett Johansson?
A. She has Jewish roots, with her family escaping from Poland and Russia. Their original last name was Schlamberg. Johansson identifies as Jewish.
Her siblings include Vanessa, an actress, an older brother named Adrian, and a twin brother called Hunter.
