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Scarlett Johansson is bringing authenticity and heart to her feature directorial debut, ‘Eleanor the Great’. During the Toronto International Film Festival, the 40-year-old actress and director revealed that she cast real Holocaust survivors in the film to ensure their stories could be represented on screen.
Johansson explained that the decision to involve survivors was never in question; the challenge was finding individuals willing and able to participate. She described the process as deeply rewarding, noting how each survivor who joined the project felt like an incredible addition. With the number of living Holocaust survivors declining each year, Johansson emphasised that those who participated formed a meaningful community within the film.
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Image Courtesy: IMDb
Scarlett Johansson Shares Experience Working on 'Eleanor the Great'
She credited actress Jessica Hecht and the Shoah Foundation for helping her team connect with survivors interested in participating in the project. According to Johansson, many of them had never worked on a film before but were fully engaged, patient, and eager to share their experiences. Their presence on set brought both gravity and warmth, with Johansson adding that they enjoyed every aspect of the filmmaking process, even joking about how much they appreciated the catering.
'Eleanor the Great' premiered at TIFF recently, with Johansson walking the red carpet alongside cast members June Squibb, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and others. The film previously debuted at the Cannes Film Festival in May, where it earned a five-minute standing ovation. Penned by Tory Kamen, the film is set to make its big-screen debut on 26th September.
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Image Courtesy: IMDb
Scarlett Johansson Felt Connection With 'Eleanor the Great'
Johansson said she felt an immediate personal connection to the script, which highlights themes of Jewish identity, intergenerational relationships, and New York City as a living, breathing character. These elements, she explained, made her confident she could bring the story to life as a director.
In the movie, Squibb takes on the role of Eleanor Morgenstein, a sharp-witted and determined 94-year-old who, following a heartbreaking loss, starts sharing a tale that unexpectedly unfolds into something much larger than she ever anticipated. The role marks Squibb's first lead performance, showcasing her sharp comedic timing and emotional depth.
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Image Courtesy: IMDb
Speaking about Johansson earlier this year, Squibb praised her director’s down-to-earth approach and deep understanding of performance, noting that Johansson’s experience as an actress allowed her to instinctively guide the cast in ways many directors cannot.
With its mix of history, community, and heartfelt storytelling, 'Eleanor the Great' is poised to be a powerful addition to Johansson’s career—not just as an acclaimed actress, but as a director determined to amplify meaningful voices.
