From Star to Director: Scarlett Johansson's Cannes Debut!

One of the largest movie theatres in the world will host Scarlett Johansson's directorial debut. The 2025 Cannes Film Festival's 'Un Certain Regard' section, which emphasizes creative storytelling, will host the world premiere of Eleanor the Great, her debut feature as a filmmaker.

June Squibb, 94, plays Eleanor Morgenstein in the movie, a Florida woman who visits New York City and develops an unexpected bond with a 19-year-old student. Erin Kellyman, Jessica Hecht, and Chiwetel Ejiofor play supporting parts in the endearing drama.

 

Johansson, who has primarily been typecast for her parts in the Avengers and Lost in Translation movies, filmed the film in New York in early 2024, featuring sequences at Times Square, Coney Island, and other famous locations. Filming concluded in April of last year.

Tory Kamen wrote the writing, while Hélène Louvart, who had previously worked on Never Rarely Sometimes Always, did the cinematography. Maven Screen Media and TriStar Pictures produced the film, and Sony Pictures Classics will distribute it worldwide.

 

This is a major milestone for Johansson, who has been acting since she was a kid. Now, she’s stepping behind the camera to tell a story of her own, joining the growing list of actors-turned-directors who are shaping the future of cinema.

 

Eleanor the Great is one of several debut features in this year’s Cannes lineup. Actor Harris Dickinson will also premiere his first directorial effort, Urchin. With this, the 78th Cannes Film Festival runs from May 13 to 24 in the south of France and will also feature new films from Wes Anderson, Ari Aster, and Richard Linklater, making this year’s festival one to watch closely.

 

For Johansson, who has been acting since she was a young child, this is a significant turning point. She is now joining the increasing number of actors-turned-directors who are influencing the direction of film by going behind the camera to tell her own story.

This year's Cannes list includes a number of debut films, including Eleanor the Great. Harris Dickinson, an actor, will also debut Urchin, his first film as a filmmaker. This makes this year's 78th Cannes Film Festival, which takes place in the south of France from May 13 to 24, one to keep a close eye on. It will also include new works from Wes Anderson, Ari Aster, and Richard Linklater.