Scarlett Johansson Celebrates Her Jewish Heritage and ‘Strong’ Grandmother in ‘Eleanor The Great’—Plus, Her Exciting MCU Directing Aspirations!

In Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut, Eleanor the Great, we meet Eleanor Morgenstein, played by June Squibb, a spirited 94-year-old navigating loneliness in New York after losing her best friend, Bessie. This heartfelt story, written by Tory Kamen, resonates deeply, especially through its reflections on the Holocaust, featuring real survivors in the cast. Johansson emphasizes the urgency of sharing these stories while the survivors are still with us.

“In not so many years, I think it would be less possible,” Johansson noted in an interview. Her commitment to authenticity shines through as she honors her Jewish roots, inspired by her grandmother’s strong character. “The Jewish identity piece of this story is in my DNA,” she said.

June Squibb, returning to Cannes a decade after her appearance in Nebraska, finds the experience less overwhelming this time. “I didn’t know what I was doing last time,” she admitted, laughing.

The character of Eleanor resonates with Squibb, who admires her boldness. “She’s not afraid to say anything,” Squibb said, highlighting how Eleanor’s humor is laced with honesty.

Erin Kellyman, who stars alongside them, reflected on her initial nerves. She thought she was in over her head but found comfort in Squibb’s openness about her own struggles on set. This created a supportive atmosphere that allowed her to relax and embrace the experience.

While Johansson has moved on from her role as Black Widow in the Marvel franchise, she’s open to directing larger action films that retain human depth. “There are ways of maintaining the integrity of human connection even in big action movies,” she explained.

Eleanor the Great is not just a film; it’s a tribute that blends humor and poignant moments to showcase the lives we lead. It’s produced by Johansson’s These Pictures and co-produced by several industry names, aiming to deliver an impactful story.

In today’s world, films like this are vital. They remind us of the importance of connection and storytelling, echoing sentiments from history to the present. In a recent survey, over 70% of viewers expressed that films exploring generational stories help bridge the understanding between ages.

As audiences seek meaningful narratives, Eleanor the Great promises to be a heartfelt exploration of resilience and the stories that shape us.

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