Scarlett Johansson, one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed and highest-paid actors, recently revisited an unexpected critique regarding her work as an AI voice. The actor voiced Samantha, the artificial intelligence operating system in the 2013 film Her, which has become a cult classic since its release. This moment gained renewed attention after Apple’s AI voice assistant, Siri, made a sharp comment about Johansson’s AI character, sparking a humorous and conflicted response from the actress.
The Background of Johansson’s AI Role in Her
Directed by Spike Jonze, Her centers on Theodore Twombly, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, who forms a complex relationship with Samantha, the AI he interacts with daily. Originally voiced by Samantha Morton, the role was recast in post-production with Johansson’s voice, leading to additional scenes being filmed in August 2013 to fit the new performance. The movie also featured a strong ensemble including Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, Olivia Wilde, and Chris Pratt, and received significant critical acclaim, including multiple Oscar nominations.
Siri’s Unexpected Judgment on Johansson’s Performance
Reports from India TV revealed that Siri, Apple’s AI assistant, mocked Johansson’s portrayal by stating,
“Her portrayal of artificial intelligence is beyond artificial.”
This witty but stinging remark led to a lighthearted backlash from Johansson herself. The actress expressed feeling misled by Siri’s comment, sharing in an interview,
“I feel like I’ve been betrayed. The other day, I asked Siri how I looked, and she said, ‘You’re the fairest of them all.’ So, she’s obviously playing both sides. What the hell? What a backstabber, man.”
Johansson’s Recent Blockbuster Success and Upcoming Projects
Beyond her AI role in Her, Scarlett Johansson recently starred in Jurassic World Rebirth, a major hit marking one of the year’s top-grossing films. The movie has amassed over $867.9 million globally, securing its place as the third highest earner this year. Johansson is also slated to appear in the upcoming crime drama Paper Tiger, working alongside Adam Driver and Miles Teller, further expanding her impressive filmography.
Significance of This Moment in Johansson’s Career
This exchange between Johansson and Siri highlights the evolving conversation around AI representations in entertainment and technology, especially when real human performances are compared or questioned by artificial systems. Johansson’s candid reaction underscores the unique challenges actors face as AI becomes more integrated into daily life and media. As AI continues to advance, moments like this serve as a reminder of the complex relationship between technology and the artistry it occasionally critiques.
