Scarlett Johansson Opens Up About Iconic Roles She Lost
Scarlett Johansson shares her candid feelings about missing out on major childhood roles, including Jumanji and The Parent Trap, and how those early rejections shaped her Hollywood journey.
Facing rejection is never easy, especially when you’re just a kid trying to make it in Hollywood. Scarlett Johansson knows that struggle firsthand. She landed her first acting gig at nine years old in Rob Reiner’s North, and from there, her early years in the industry were a mix of wins and setbacks. Not every project was a hit—she even starred in Home Alone 3, a sequel that left many fans wondering why it existed without Macaulay Culkin. But things started to turn around for Johansson with her role in the offbeat comedy Ghost World, where she played a supporting character navigating post-high school life.
Early Disappointments and Missed Opportunities
By the time she was 17, Johansson had already made a name for herself, starring in Sofia Coppola’s Oscar- winning Lost in Translation. That film helped cement her place in Hollywood, leading to a career that would span everything from blockbuster superhero movies to indie hits like Under the Skin. But before all that, she had to deal with the sting of losing out on some major roles—experiences that left a mark on her.
Looking back, Johansson admits there were a couple of parts she really wanted but didn’t get. One of those was in the 1995 family adventure Jumanji . She auditioned for the role that eventually went to Kirsten Dunst.
“I saw Jumanji. I liked it. I wasn’t bitter enough then; now I’m bitter,”
she confessed. The film, starring Robin Williams, became a beloved classic, and Johansson can’t help but feel a twinge of envy for not getting to share the screen with such a comedy legend.
The Parent Trap and Lingering Regrets
Another big one that slipped through her fingers was the remake of The Parent Trap. The movie turned Lindsay Lohan into a star, thanks to her dual performance as twins Hallie and Annie. Johansson auditioned for the same part, and missing out on it was tough.
“I started to get bitter… it was hard for me,”
she admitted. Even though it’s hard to imagine anyone else in those roles now, Johansson still wonders what could have been.
Instead of joining the cast of The Parent Trap, Johansson ended up working with Robert Redford in The Horse Whisperer that same year. While it didn’t become a massive hit, it gave her the chance to work alongside a Hollywood icon, which was a valuable experience in its own right.
Finding Her Path in Hollywood
Despite those early disappointments, Johansson’s career took off in ways she never could have predicted. She became one of the most successful actresses in the industry, with a filmography that few can rival. Missing out on those childhood roles may have stung at the time, but they ultimately set her on a path that led to even greater opportunities. As she looks back, it’s clear that every setback played a part in shaping the career she enjoys today.