“Why I Believe in the Freedom to Play Any Role: Scarlett Johansson Reflects on Casting Choices in As If Magazine Cover Feature”

Scarlett Johansson opened up about her extensive acting career and the rising popularity of politically correct casting in a recent feature for As If magazine. The talented 34-year-old actress looked stunning in a vintage-themed photoshoot for the magazine’s latest spring/summer 2019 edition, which is available in stores. The art director David Salle and interviewer Peter Hidalgo worked together to design three exclusive dresses that added a fashionable touch to the mod-inspired photoshoot.

Bombshell: Scarlett Johansson spoke candidly about her storied acting career and the growing 'trend' of politically correct casting in a revealing new cover story for As If magazine.

Big news: Scarlett Johansson opened up about her extensive acting career and the increasing emphasis on politically correct casting in a revealing interview for the latest issue of As If magazine.

The stunning blonde beauty appeared to have come straight from a different era in the vibrant vintage photoshoot. Surrounded by large modern graphics, Scarlett effortlessly showcased a mix of retro styles with her classic Hollywood-inspired curly hair. With a true passion for her craft, she displayed a range of emotions through her expressions and poses in the gorgeous outfits. Even if acting didn’t pay well, she expressed that she would still happily pursue it as her profession.

Stunning: Art director and interviewer David Salle collaborated with Peter Hidalgo to create three collectible limited edition dresses that inspired the mod vibe of the shoot

Get it! As If is on newsstands now

Incredible: Art director and interviewer David Salle teamed up with Peter Hidalgo to design three exclusive, limited edition dresses that captured the mod aesthetic of the photo session.

Custom! Scarlett looked amazing in one of the custom dresses

“Unique! Scarlett rocked a stunning custom dress that had everyone in awe. ‘I absolutely love what I do, and my job satisfaction is top priority for me,’ Scarlett remarked, reflecting on her career.

Despite enjoying the glamorous perks that come with her profession, Scarlett acknowledged the financial benefits of acting. ‘The truth is, acting can be very lucrative. I rarely have to make a reservation at a restaurant, which is a major plus.’

Although the shoot exuded a lighthearted and spirited vibe, Scarlett delved into the seriousness of her acting journey during the interview.”

Truth teller: If acting paid her next to nothing, Scarlett said she would still happily do the job

Honesty advocate: Scarlett expressed that even if she wasn’t paid much for acting, she would still joyfully continue pursuing her career in the industry.

Opening up: The 34-year-old was candid about the good and the bad in her industry

Looking back: She recalled a particularly tough time with director Jonathan Glazer while shooting Under the Skin where she was distraught about his behavior.

Sharing her experiences: The 34-year-old wasn’t shy about discussing the ups and downs of her industry. She opened up about a challenging moment while filming Under the Skin with director Jonathan Glazer. During shooting, she was constantly drenched due to the rainy and snowy conditions. The costume director would try to help by giving her a warming jacket in between takes, but Glazer put a stop to it. She humorously recalled shooting daggers at him with her eyes and thinking, “I’m going to kill you.”

Rough times: Director Jonathan Glazer once instructed the the costume director to stop Scarlett a warm jacket in between takes to make sure she was feeling the cold

During a challenging moment on set, Director Jonathan Glazer thoughtfully directed the costume director to provide Scarlett with a warm jacket between takes to ensure she stayed comfortable in the cold.

'If I wanted to decide to be wet and cold in order to feel wet and cold I¿ll make that choice myself, you know? But, sometimes directors imagine that they can do something like that.'

‘If I want to feel wet and cold, I’ll make that decision myself,’ the actress expressed. She shared that she knows how to act like she’s cold, pretending she can’t feel her feet or toes. Sometimes directors think they can create that sensation for the actors, but she believes it’s something she should choose to do on her own.
The award-winning actress commented on the changes in the industry since she started as a child actor.
Recently, Scarlett faced criticism for accepting a role as a trans character, eventually deciding to step down from the project due to the backlash. Initially, she was adamant about keeping the role, but the pressure became too overwhelming, leading her to give it up.

Drama: Recently Scarlett not-so-gracefully bowed out of an upcoming project as a trans character following significant backlash that the role wasn't given to a trans actor.

Recent drama ensued when Scarlett made the decision to exit an upcoming project depicting a transgender character due to backlash over the casting choice, which did not involve a transgender actor.

Touchy topic: She addressed was she called the 'political correctness' in casting without directly mentioning her controversial casting in Rub & Tug

Delicate issue: She broached the subject of ‘political correctness’ in casting without specifically mentioning her controversial role in Rub & Tug.
She argued that actors should have the freedom to portray any character, whether human, plant, or animal, as part of their profession.
Expressing her views further, she noted the importance of social considerations in casting decisions, but also emphasized the importance of artistic freedom.
She suggested that allowing individuals to have differing opinions without imposing one’s own beliefs could lead to greater societal connection.

'You know, as an actor I should be allowed to play any person, or any tree, or any animal because that is my job and the requirements of my job,' she said point blank.

She boldly stated, “I believe as an actor, I have the freedom to portray any role – whether it be a person, a tree, or an animal. It’s all part of my job and what it requires.”

'I feel like it¿s a trend in my business and it needs to happen for various social reasons, yet there are times it does get uncomfortable when it affects the art because I feel art should be free of restrictions.'

In my line of work, I’ve noticed a shift happening for social reasons, and while I understand its importance, it can sometimes interfere with the essence of art. I believe that art should be unrestricted and true to its creator’s vision.

Throughout my long career in the industry, I have often found that the final product that reaches the audience is not always what I had envisioned during filming. This discrepancy can be both disheartening and pleasantly surprising at times.

Furthermore, the way I approach a character or role may differ from how it is perceived by viewers. Take, for example, my role in Lost in Translation, where many believe it’s about a person feeling out of place in a foreign land.

Always a surprise: The star, who has been in the industry for much of her life, went on to explain that as someone in front of the camera, she rarely ends up with the movie she thought she was making

Always a pleasant surprise: The well-known actress, with years of experience in the entertainment industry, revealed that as someone often in front of the camera, the final product of a movie rarely aligns with her initial expectations.

She emphasized that for her, the movie Lost in Translation was incredibly poignant, as it delved into the experience of a young woman coming to terms with her loss of innocence, and the profound connection she formed with a stranger during her journey.

To her, the essence of the film was centered around the intricate relationship between her character and Bill Murray’s character, rather than just the backdrop of a foreign country.

The unfamiliar setting played a crucial role in providing her character with a fresh perspective on life, one that would have been stifled by the familiarity and expectations of her everyday surroundings.

'To me, Lost in Translation was so specific to a young woman experiencing her loss of innocence, and her profound relationship with a stranger made the experience transformative.'

For me, Lost in Translation was a story that really delved into the coming of age of a young woman, her journey from innocence to experience, and the deep connection she forms with a stranger that changes her in profound ways.
The collaboration between the talented actress Scarlett Johansson and renowned post-modern artist David Salle took a regular celebrity photoshoot to a whole new level of artistic partnership, as shared by Editor in Chief of As If Magazine & Photographer Tatijana Shoan.
Scarlett’s eagerness to be a part of this unique project, guided by David’s exceptional vision, truly made my role as a photographer something special.
The outcome is a mesmerizing blend of art and fashion, with Scarlett immersed in Salle’s paintings, leading to the creation of exclusive, collectible dresses that are sure to be sought after as museum pieces in the future.

Scroll to Top