Key Takeaways:
• Actress Scarlett Johansson has admitted to building her career around controversies.
• Johansson believes actors aren’t liable for social or political responsibilities just because they are public figures.
• With a net worth estimated at $165 million, she is one of Hollywood’s most successful actresses.
• The star has faced several controversies, including accusations of whitewashing and supporting divisive figures in Hollywood.
Scarlett Johansson: Success Amidst Controversies
No stranger to success, Scarlett Johansson boasts an illustrious career with multiple critically acclaimed performances. Despite her notoriously controversial decisions, the actress claims these very controversies have helped shape her thriving career.
Rocketing to Stardom in MCU
Johansson’s groundbreaking role as Black Widow in the massively successful Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) cemented her status as a Hollywood heavyweight. Coupled with her sterling performances in films like “Marriage Story,” Johansson swiftly rose to become the second-highest grossing female actor, after Robert Downey Jr., with an admirable net worth of $165 million.
Controversies: A Driving Force
While her collected accolades are impressive, Johansson’s career isn’t without its fair share of controversies. In a 2021 interview with The Gentlewoman, she candidly admitted exploiting these controversies to her advantage. Johansson noted her tendency to be reactive and impatient but denied any responsibility to hold a political or social stance. She further iterated her desire to separate her personal political views from her career as an artist.
Dealing With Accusations and Backlashes
Over the years, Johansson found herself in the eye of the storm for her acting choices. A prominent example of this was in 2015 when she faced accusations of whitewashing for playing the lead role in the adaptation of popular Japanese manga, “Ghost in the Shell”. Johansson defended her involvement, emphasizing her belief in diversity in Hollywood and the importance of female roles within major franchises.
In 2018, Johansson faced another wave of criticism for her fashion choices. This was with respect to her decision to wear clothes from Marchesa, the brand founded by Georgina Chapman, Harvey Weinstein’s ex-wife. The actress defended her choices on grounds that the brand empowered women and that she supported Chapman.
The same year, Johansson stirred controversy by accepting the role of a transgender man in the film “Rub & Tug,” a decision she later reversed due to the backlash. Additionally, Johansson found herself in choppy waters for expressing support for director Woody Allen amid sexual misconduct allegations in 2019.
Conclusion
In a world where every celebrity controversy is under intense scrutiny, Scarlett Johansson’s admission to leveraging controversies to elevate her career is unusual and refreshingly candid. Despite the criticism that has followed her over the years, Johansson’s determination and approach have undeniably contributed to her being an unstoppable force in Hollywood.
