Hollywood icon Scarlett Johansson is taking a bold leap into a new cinematic chapter as she gears up to premiere her directorial debut, Eleanor the Great, at the prestigious 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Best known for her commanding presence in films like Marriage Story, Lost in Translation, and Marvel’s Black Widow, Johansson now steps behind the camera for the first time, showcasing a deeply emotional narrative that promises to reveal a more intimate, human side of her storytelling.
A New Role for Johansson
The announcement was made during a press conference in Paris on April 10, by Cannes Film Festival delegate general Thierry Frémaux and president Iris Knobloch. Johansson’s Eleanor the Great will be featured in the festival’s Un Certain Regard section, a category celebrated for highlighting original, daring works by emerging or transitioning filmmakers.
At 40, Johansson is among the most recognizable faces in global cinema. Her directorial debut marks a significant milestone not only in her career but in the wider Hollywood landscape, as more established actors are exploring the world of directing with stories that lean into complex, character-driven themes.
Inside Eleanor the Great
Written by screenwriter Tory Kamen, Eleanor the Great centers on Eleanor Morgenstein, a 90-year-old woman from Florida who finds herself unexpectedly starting over in New York City. Grappling with the loss of her closest friend, Eleanor embarks on a journey of emotional renewal. In the bustling and chaotic landscape of Manhattan, she forges a surprising and heartwarming friendship with a 19-year-old student, portrayed by rising star Erin Kellyman.
Veteran actress June Squibb, known for her Oscar-nominated role in Nebraska, takes on the lead role of Eleanor. The supporting cast includes acclaimed talents such as Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave), Jessica Hecht (Breaking Bad), and Kellyman (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier), adding depth and gravitas to the story.
The film is co-produced by Maven Screen Media, Dauphin Studio, These Pictures, Pinky Promise, and Wayfarer Studios. Sony Pictures Classics is handling distribution, and the project is backed by a creative dream team including cinematographer Hélène Louvart (The Lost Daughter) and composer Dustin O’Halloran (Lion).
Johansson’s Artistic Evolution
Johansson has long been admired for her fearless choice of roles and undeniable screen presence, but Eleanor the Great marks a more personal and introspective move. It signals her evolution as an artist, joining the ranks of other celebrated actors who have successfully transitioned into directing — such as Greta Gerwig, Ben Affleck, and Bradley Cooper.
While Eleanor the Great may not feature explosive action sequences or larger-than-life Marvel moments, it presents something equally powerful: a tender portrait of intergenerational connection, resilience, and starting anew — regardless of age.
Cannes 2025: A Year of Firsts
Scarlett Johansson isn’t the only actor making waves at Cannes this year. British actor Harris Dickinson (Babygirl, Triangle of Sadness) is also making his directorial debut with Urchin, a gritty London-set drama about a homeless man, played by Frank Dillane. Like Johansson, Dickinson’s film will also be featured in the Un Certain Regard section, further emphasizing Cannes’ commitment to spotlighting fresh cinematic voices.
The 2025 lineup is a powerhouse of talent, with new projects by Wes Anderson (The Phoenician Scheme), Ari Aster (Eddington starring Emma Stone, Joaquin Phoenix, and Austin Butler), and Richard Linklater (New Wave). Tom Cruise’s long-awaited Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is also set to premiere out of competition on May 14.
According to Frémaux, this year’s festival reviewed a record-breaking 2,909 film submissions, solidifying its role as the world’s most influential platform for international cinema.
What’s Next for Johansson?
While Johansson has hinted at directing for years, Eleanor the Great confirms that she’s more than ready to take creative risks beyond acting. In recent interviews, she’s spoken about her desire to tell stories that resonate emotionally, especially those exploring themes of identity, aging, and transformation.
Cannes 2025 will mark a full-circle moment for the actress who has graced its red carpet many times before — but this time, the spotlight is squarely on her vision as a filmmaker.
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