Scarlett Johansson To Star In The Next Jurassic World Film? All You Need To Know
Rumours are swirling in Hollywood that Scarlett Johansson might be venturing into the world of dinosaurs with the Jurassic World franchise. According to both The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline, the acclaimed 39-year-old actress known for her roles in the Avengers series is reportedly in discussions to take on the lead role in the upcoming Jurassic World movie. However, neither Universal Pictures nor a representative for Johansson has officially commented on these reports.
Johansson’s Potential Role in the Jurassic Franchise
The forthcoming Jurassic World instalment, directed by Gareth Edwards, is set to hit the screens on July 2, 2025. Edwards is no stranger to the blockbuster scene, having helmed renowned films like Godzilla (2014), Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), and The Creator (2018). Script duties for the new Jurassic film fall to David Koepp, who previously penned the scripts for Jurassic Park (1993) and its sequel, The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997).
While details about the plot of this latest entry remain under wraps, it’s worth noting that previous Jurassic World films featured Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard in prominent roles. However, this upcoming film is expected to introduce a fresh narrative direction for the franchise. Notably, the last trilogy concluded with Jurassic World Dominion in 2022, which saw the return of original Jurassic Park actors Laura Dern, Sam Neill, and Jeff Goldblum to their iconic roles.
Johansson’s Return to the Franchise Realm
Scarlett Johansson, best known for her portrayal of Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), is no stranger to blockbuster franchises. While bidding farewell to her Marvel character after over a decade, Johansson expressed mixed emotions about leaving behind the role she cherished. Nevertheless, her talent extends beyond the realm of superheroes, as evidenced by her two Oscar nominations for Jojo Rabbit and Marriage Story. Additionally, Johansson is set to lend her voice to a character in the upcoming animated film Transformers One, and she is slated to star alongside Channing Tatum in an eagerly anticipated Apple film.
Will Scarlett Return to the MCU?
Following her departure from the MCU, speculation has been rife about Scarlett Johansson’s future in the superhero universe. Having portrayed Natasha Romanoff since Iron Man 2, Johansson’s character arc culminated in Avengers: Endgame, with a final appearance in the standalone film Black Widow. While the torch has figuratively been passed to Florence Pugh’s character, Yelena Belova, there has been no direct replacement for Black Widow in the MCU.
Johansson’s departure from Marvel Studios marks the end of an era, with several original Avengers, including Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr., also bowing out during Phase 4. Despite her quieter exit compared to some of her co-stars, Johansson’s impact on the franchise is undeniable. Although the details of her contract termination remain undisclosed, it’s clear that Johansson’s journey with Marvel has come to a close.
The Legal Battle and Beyond
Johansson’s departure from the MCU was accompanied by a legal dispute with Disney over the release of Black Widow on their streaming platform, Disney+. While Johansson alleged that the simultaneous release impacted the film’s box office performance, Disney countered that she received compensation through Premier Access. The lawsuit was settled in September 2021, highlighting the complexities of talent-studio relations in the evolving landscape of film distribution.
As Johansson bids farewell to her Marvel tenure, she acknowledges that her life has evolved since she first donned the Black Widow suit. With marriage, motherhood, and new career opportunities on the horizon, Johansson’s departure from the MCU signals the closing of a significant chapter in her illustrious career.
In conclusion, while Scarlett Johansson’s potential involvement in the Jurassic World franchise sparks excitement among fans, her departure from the MCU marks the end of an era. As she embarks on new ventures, audiences eagerly anticipate her next cinematic endeavours, whether it’s facing dinosaurs or exploring uncharted territories beyond the superhero universe.
