Scarlett Johansson Exposes Odd Film Note She Got For Her Directorial Debut: Swap the Holocaust Lie for Something Else

by

Scarlett Johansson recently shared a story about an unexpected event that happened while she was directing her debut film, “Eleanor the Great.”

In an interview with The Telegraph, a financial supporter of the project raised concerns about a central plot point, wondering if the main character’s deception might involve something other than the Holocaust.

Honestly, when I heard about this request, it struck me as really odd. Usually, notes from the studio are about practical stuff – where we’re filming, when things need to be finished. Like, if they’d said, ‘We need to shoot in New Jersey,’ or ‘Let’s aim for a spring release,’ that would have been a normal conversation. But this felt different. This note didn’t just impact the how of making the movie, it actually clashed with what the whole story was trying to say.

She explained that critics disliked the film’s core message. They felt it had to address the consequences of a terrible deception – and if not the Holocaust, she wondered, what situation could be more fitting? They didn’t suggest any other suitable topic, simply stating that the subject matter was problematic.

When one of the financial backers withdrew their support, a significant portion of the film’s budget vanished. Johansson explained to a British newspaper that she was stunned, especially after months of preparation. “After working on the film for so long, this was a really unexpected and disappointing turn of events,” she said. Fortunately, Sony Pictures Classics later agreed to distribute the film and provided the necessary funding to move forward.

The first trailer has been released for ‘Eleanor the Great,’ Scarlett Johansson’s first time directing. The movie stars June Squibb and Erin Kellyman and tells the story of an unexpected friendship between an older woman and a college student in New York City. It will be in theaters on September 26th.

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) August 12, 2025

Johansson also explained that her Jewish heritage influenced her decision to make the film. She wondered if she could have brought the same understanding to the role without that background, stating, “I knew this world, and I knew versions of Eleanor,” suggesting her personal connection was crucial.

The film “Eleanor the Great” features 95-year-old actress June Squibb, who plays Eleanor Morgenstein. The story centers on Eleanor as she navigates life in New York City after the loss of her close friend, Bessie. To combat her loneliness, she joins a Holocaust survivor support group at a Jewish community center. When asked to share her experiences, Eleanor unexpectedly begins telling Bessie’s life story, presenting it as her own.

The film first premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 20th as part of the Un Certain Regard section. It was then released to the public on September 26th. Critics gave the movie mixed reviews, and it currently has a 66% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Read More

2025-11-30 19:17