Scarlett Johansson says a financial
backer pushed to remove Holocaust elements from her film debut Eleanor the
Great before withdrawing support.
LOS ANGELES, US — Scarlett Johansson has
said a financial backer involved in the development of her upcoming feature
directing debut Eleanor the Great pressed her to remove narrative elements
referencing the Holocaust. The actor and director said the request emerged
during pre-production and would have fundamentally altered the film’s premise,
leading the backer to withdraw support when she refused.
Creative Dispute Over Core Storyline
Johansson told the Daily Telegraph that
one of the film’s backers objected to plot components involving a woman who
falsely presents herself as a Holocaust survivor. The film stars June Squibb as
a retired Jewish widow who mistakenly joins a Holocaust survivors’ group, then
continues the imposture after realising her error.
According to Johansson, the backer asked
that the Holocaust-related elements be removed entirely. She said the demand
went beyond practical production requests, adding that the contested material
was central to the narrative.
Johansson described the situation as
“shocking” and said the withdrawal of funding meant the project temporarily
fell short of its required budget. Sony Pictures Classics later stepped in to
ensure production proceeded.
Significance and Industry Impact
The dispute highlights broader industry
conversations about creative control, sensitive subject matter and financing
pressures in independent filmmaking. Johansson said the requested changes would
have altered the film’s thematic foundation, which focuses on the consequences
of an extreme personal deception.
The director framed the issue as one of
artistic integrity, noting that the story required a grave and historically
significant lie to support its dramatic arc. No alternative storyline was
offered by the backer, according to her account.
Background and Related Context
Eleanor the Great marks Johansson’s
first time directing a feature film. The project follows decades of work as one
of Hollywood’s most prominent actors.
In the same newspaper interview,
Johansson reiterated previous public statements expressing support for
filmmaker Woody Allen, with whom she collaborated in the mid-2000s. Allegations
made by Dylan Farrow against Allen were investigated at the time, with child
welfare authorities stating they found no credible evidence, and no charges
were brought. Johansson referenced her broader views on personal integrity when
discussing her continued support.
She also addressed her 2021 legal
dispute with Disney over the hybrid release of Black Widow, which she alleged
breached her contract. The matter was settled, with media outlets reporting a
substantial payout. Johansson said she hoped future industry practices
regarding streaming-related compensation would become more clearly defined.
Reactions and Perspectives
Public response to Johansson’s comments
has been varied, with discussions centred on creative freedom, the portrayal of
sensitive historical topics and long-running debates about accountability in
the entertainment industry.
Industry observers have noted that
financing pressures often shape the development of independent films.
Johansson’s remarks add to ongoing conversations about how commercial
considerations intersect with depictions of traumatic historical events.
As of now, representatives for Sony
Pictures Classics and other production participants have not issued detailed
public statements on the dispute.
Next Steps for the Film
Production on Eleanor the Great
ultimately moved ahead following the updated financing arrangement. Further
details regarding release dates, festival screenings or distribution timelines
have not yet been formally announced. Johansson has not indicated whether
additional changes to the project are expected, and no further disputes have
been reported.
Editorial
Credits
Author:
James Whitfield
Editor-in-Chief:
Maria Perez
Photo:
Shutterstock / Licensed Image