Did Scarlett Johansson Cast Real Holocaust Survivors in Her Directorial Debut?
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Synopsis
Scarlett Johansson's directorial debut, ‘Eleanor the Great’, features real Holocaust survivors sharing their powerful stories. Having premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film highlights the importance of authentic representation in storytelling. Read to discover how Johansson navigated this unique casting process and the film's anticipated release.
Key Takeaways
- Scarlett Johansson makes her directorial debut with ‘Eleanor the Great’.
- Real Holocaust survivors were cast in the film to share authentic narratives.
- The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
- It is set to be released in theaters on September 26, 2025.
- Johansson emphasizes the importance of authentic representation in storytelling.
Los Angeles, Sep 9 (NationPress) Hollywood actress and director Scarlett Johansson has provided fascinating details about her inaugural feature film as a director. Recently, she made her appearance at the Toronto International Film Festival.
For her upcoming film ‘Eleanor the Great’, featuring June Squibb in the lead role, Johansson made the impactful decision to cast real Holocaust survivors to share their authentic stories, according to a report from People magazine.
The 40-year-old actress explained to People, "It was never really a question of if we would cast real survivors. The challenge was figuring out how to find those willing to take part. We were incredibly fortunate."
She elaborated, “Each time we discovered someone willing to join us, it was like a victory: 'Yes, we found another survivor.' At that time, there were roughly 250,000 survivors alive, and unfortunately, that number decreases each year. We were fortunate to connect with that community.”
According to People, Johansson acknowledged the contributions of Jessica Hecht, who also stars in the film, for assisting in finding participants alongside the Shoah Foundation. “I must say, the entire group was incredibly patient,” she noted.
She remarked, "None of them had really participated in a film like this before, but they were genuinely engaged and attentive.”
The debut director also mentioned that the survivors were enthusiastic about the opportunity to "share their stories," humorously adding, “They were quite excited about the catering.”
‘Eleanor the Great’ had its premiere at TIFF on September 8, attended by Johansson and fellow cast members Squibb, 95, Hecht, 60, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Erin Kellyman. Following its world premiere in May at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received a five-minute standing ovation, ‘Eleanor the Great’, penned by Tory Kamen, is slated for theatrical release on September 26, 2025.
Point of View
Scarlett Johansson’s decision to cast real Holocaust survivors in her directorial debut demonstrates a commendable commitment to authenticity and meaningful storytelling. This approach not only honors the experiences of survivors but also brings necessary attention to historical narratives that must not be forgotten. Johansson's film stands as a testament to the importance of diverse voices in cinema.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the film ‘Eleanor the Great’ about?
‘Eleanor the Great’ is a film that portray the stories of Holocaust survivors, focusing on their experiences and resilience through authentic narratives.
When is ‘Eleanor the Great’ set to release?
The film is scheduled to hit theaters on September 26, 2025.
Who stars in ‘Eleanor the Great’?
The film stars June Squibb, Jessica Hecht, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Erin Kellyman among others.
What was Johansson’s role in the film?
Scarlett Johansson is the director of ‘Eleanor the Great’ and also plays a crucial role in ensuring authentic representation through her casting choices.
Where did the film premiere?
‘Eleanor the Great’ premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8.
