Is Scarlett Johansson Still Acting?

Is Scarlett Johansson Still Acting?

The evolution of a superstar: Where the Marvel icon stands in 2025

(By Carmichael Phillip)

Scarlett Johansson: A Star Who Never Truly Disappears

Scarlett Johansson, once hailed as the highest-paid actress in the world, has seen her career shift over the past few years. Best known globally for her portrayal of Natasha Romanoff, a.k.a. Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Johansson has long been a staple of blockbuster films and indie cinema alike. But with the conclusion of her character arc in Black Widow (2021) and her absence from recent high-profile releases, many fans are wondering: Is Scarlett Johansson still acting?

The short answer is yes—but not in the same way that made her a household name during the height of the MCU craze. Johansson continues to take on selective film and voice projects while also diving into producing and entrepreneurship.

As Johansson told The Hollywood Reporter in 2023,

“I’ve reached a point in my life where I want to tell stories that I really care about—not just play a part in something massive.”

Her comments echo the sentiment of an actress who has moved beyond the need to headline blockbusters in favor of curating a career with intention and balance.

Although Johansson hasn’t been as visible in superhero fare or mainstream films recently, she hasn’t stopped acting. In fact, 2023 and 2024 saw her attached to several significant projects, including Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City and the romantic drama North Star, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Johansson’s recent roles have leaned more toward character-driven stories rather than spectacle-heavy blockbusters. One of her more acclaimed performances came in North Star, where she portrayed a woman reconnecting with her estranged father. The film received a warm critical reception, with Variety praising Johansson’s “quietly powerful performance.”

Moreover, Johansson is slated to star in an upcoming untitled film directed by Sebastián Lelio (A Fantastic Woman), described as a “claustrophobic psychological thriller.” Filming is set to begin later in 2025.

Her agent confirmed that while Johansson is not actively seeking multiple projects per year, she is still passionate about acting:

“She’s incredibly selective now. But that doesn’t mean she’s stepping away. Quite the opposite—she’s stepping into more meaningful territory.”

Part of Johansson’s reduced on-screen presence is due to her increasing focus on producing. In 2021, she formed her own production company, These Pictures, with the goal of championing original films and series that spotlight underrepresented voices.

In a statement to Deadline, Johansson said:

“Creating content that feels new, fresh, and representative of the world we live in is deeply important to me. I want to support stories that resonate.”

These Pictures is already in development with a number of scripted projects, both in film and television. One such project is a sci-fi drama for Apple TV+ rumored to star Tilda Swinton and Dev Patel, with Johansson executive producing.

Beyond producing, Johansson also launched her skincare brand, The Outset, in 2022. The brand emphasizes clean ingredients and sustainability, and has been well-received in the beauty industry.

She told Allure in 2022:

“Acting will always be part of my life. But I also love the idea of building something from the ground up that helps people feel good in their own skin.”

Though her physical presence on screen may be limited compared to her earlier years, Johansson continues to lend her voice to animation and narration.

In 2023, she reprised her role as Ash the porcupine in Sing 2: Encore Edition, a sequel to the hit animated franchise. She’s also been linked to voice roles in two upcoming DreamWorks films and a Netflix anime series aimed at adults.

Her distinct voice—breathy, deep, and emotive—has long been one of her standout traits. This was evident in her award-winning performance in Her (2013), in which she voiced the AI Samantha.

Critics have noted that Johansson’s voice roles often carry emotional resonance. As film critic Peter Travers wrote:

“She can convey a full spectrum of emotion without even appearing on screen. That’s rare. And powerful.”

Johansson’s shift in priorities is also linked to her personal life. Now a mother of two—her daughter Rose and son Cosmo—she has spoken openly about wanting to be present for her children.

In a 2024 interview with People, she reflected:

“The hustle of constantly filming is behind me. My kids are only little for a while. I want to be around for that, not just between shoots.”

Married to Saturday Night Live star Colin Jost, Johansson also occasionally appears in comedy sketches and voice work connected to SNL, although those are usually uncredited or cameo appearances.

Her role as a parent has not removed her from the industry but has undoubtedly reshaped how she engages with it. She’s no longer chasing stardom—she’s shaping legacy.

While Johansson has never won an Oscar, she has been nominated for two Academy Awards (Marriage Story and Jojo Rabbit, both in 2020). She remains one of the most critically acclaimed actresses of her generation.

In 2023, Johansson was honored with the American Cinematheque Award, celebrating her contributions to the art of film and her diverse, enduring body of work.

As director Noah Baumbach said during his speech:

“Scarlett is fearless. She disappears into roles, and yet somehow remains unmistakably herself.”

This sentiment captures the essence of Johansson’s career. Whether leading an indie drama, anchoring a mega-franchise, or producing behind the scenes, her artistic fingerprint remains strong and distinctive.

Though no official word has emerged about her returning to the MCU, there have been rumors of Johansson collaborating again with Marvel Studios on a project not related to Black Widow.

Marvel president Kevin Feige teased in late 2023:

“We’re working with Scarlett on something top secret. She’s not playing Natasha, but she’s involved in a big way.”

Fans speculate this could involve producing or developing female-led superhero content, possibly through her production company. Johansson’s connection to Marvel remains strong, even if her days in a super suit are over.

Additionally, Johansson is reportedly in talks to direct her first feature—a passion project she’s been developing for years. If confirmed, this would mark a new chapter in her career.

So, is Scarlett Johansson still acting?

Yes—absolutely. But not in the way she once did. Today, she’s acting when and how she chooses. She’s producing. She’s creating. She’s parenting. She’s building businesses. In short, she’s evolving.

Scarlett Johansson’s career no longer hinges on quantity or visibility but on impact and meaning. Her selective approach reflects a maturity and vision that few Hollywood stars manage to embrace.

As she herself put it best:

“I’ve had the spotlight. Now I want to hold the flashlight—for other stories, other voices. And yes, for myself too, just in a different light.”

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