Key Points

Scarlett Johansson, known for her role as Black Widow, is considering directing for Marvel after her directorial debut 'Eleanor the Great' premiered at Cannes. The film, starring June Squibb and Chiwetel Ejiofor, explores themes of grief and storytelling with humor. Johansson emphasized her interest in blending human connection with big action in potential Marvel projects. Her debut earned a five-minute standing ovation, marking a successful transition behind the camera.

Key Points: Scarlett Johansson Eyes Marvel Directing After Cannes Debut

  • Johansson open to directing MCU films after producing 'Black Widow'
  • Her debut 'Eleanor the Great' premiered at Cannes 2025
  • Film explores grief and storytelling with a comedic touch
  • Received a five-minute standing ovation at premiere
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Scarlett Johansson says she wants to direct for Marvel after premiering her directorial debut at Cannes

Scarlett Johansson hints at directing for Marvel after her Cannes directorial debut 'Eleanor the Great' earns acclaim and a standing ovation.

Scarlett Johansson says she wants to direct for Marvel after premiering her directorial debut at Cannes
"I think the movies that I like that are big action movies also have the human connectivity piece. – Scarlett Johansson"

Washington, May 23

Actress and singer Scarlett Johansson, after premiering her directorial debut at Cannes 2025, shared that she would be open to potentially directing a Marvel Cinematic Universe movie.

"I think the movies that I like that are big action movies also have the human connectivity piece," said Johansson, who notably portrayed the MCU character Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow in eight MCU movies between 2010's Iron Man 2 and 2021's Black Widow, reported People.

"Even producing Black Widow and being a part of the production of that, and the development of the story, and the story between Natasha and Yelena... there is I think, a way of doing it, a way of maintaining the integrity of the idea of human connection, family, disappointment, all of the things that were themes in [Eleanor the Great]," Johansson added. "Doing it in a giant way in a giant universe -- there's ways of doing that... So, yeah, definitely, it could be, it would be fun."

Johansson was in Cannes this week with her directorial debut 'Eleanor the Great', which stars June Squibb, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Jessica Hecht.

The movie "brings to vivid life the witty and proudly troublesome 94-year-old Eleanor Morgenstein who, after a devastating loss, tells a tale that takes on a dangerous life of its own," reads an official Cannes synopsis for the film, which described the movie as "a comically poignant exploration of how the stories we hear become the stories we tell," as per People.

According to Variety, Johansson's Eleanor the Great received a five-minute standing ovation after its Cannes premiere, which she attended with her husband Colin Jost. Johansson said bringing the film to Cannes "really is a dream come true" at the screening.

"Thank you for having us, we are so honoured to be here," she added. "You know, when you make a film that's an independent film like this, no one's doing it for the money -- surprise, surprise. Everybody who came together for this film came together because they loved the story, they loved the script so much," reported People.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
ScarJo has been such an integral part of MCU! Would love to see her bring that Black Widow energy behind the camera too. Indian Marvel fans would go crazy for this! Maybe she could direct a Young Avengers project? 🔥
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Priya M.
First time director getting a 5-minute standing ovation at Cannes? That's impressive! But I hope Marvel doesn't just use her name for PR. They should give her creative freedom if she directs - Indian audiences can tell when a film feels authentic vs corporate.
A
Arjun S.
As someone who grew up watching her as Black Widow, this makes me emotional! 😊 But I hope she doesn't get typecast into only superhero films. Her Cannes debut sounds like proper cinema - we need more of that in India too beyond just masala movies.
S
Shalini V.
Marvel should consider setting a film in India if she directs! We have such rich mythology that could blend beautifully with the MCU. Imagine Black Widow-style action sequences but with Indian martial arts like Kalaripayattu. The possibilities!
V
Vikram J.
Not sure how I feel about actors becoming directors overnight. The Cannes film sounds good, but Marvel movies need experienced directors. Maybe she should make 2-3 more indie films first? We've seen what happens when studios rush things (cough* Eternals cough*).
N
Neha R.
Her focus on human connection in big action movies is exactly what Phase 5 needs! Recent Marvel films felt too CGI-heavy. As an Indian viewer, I connect more with emotional stories like Black Widow's sister dynamic than endless multiverse jargon.

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