Scarlett Johansson to lead Ari Aster's 'Scapegoat' for A24 release
Synopsis
Scarlett Johansson is joining forces with auteur Ari Aster for 'Scapegoat,' an original screenplay that became the director's top choice after his acclaimed run with A24. With Johansson juggling the next Exorcist and Batman films, the project is being fast-tracked for later-year production — a testament to how coveted Aster's scripts have become in an industry hungry for originality.
Key Takeaways
Scarlett Johansson will star in 'Scapegoat' , written and directed by Ari Aster .
A24 will distribute the film, continuing its partnership with Aster across his past four releases.
Aster and Lars Knudsen produce through Square Peg banner.
Johansson is balancing the project with Exorcist and Batman sequel commitments in 2026. 'Jurassic World: Rebirth' grossed $868 million worldwide; Johansson recently made her directorial debut with 'Eleanor the Great' at Cannes .
Scarlett Johansson is set to star in 'Scapegoat', an original screenplay written and directed by filmmaker Ari Aster, with distribution through A24, the studio behind his past four films. The project marks a significant collaboration between the Oscar-nominated actress and the director whose visceral narratives have captivated cinephiles since 'Hereditary' in 2018.
The Creative Partnership
Aster will reunite with A24 as distributor, while he and his producing partner Lars Knudsen will shepherd the film through their Square Peg production banner. Plot specifics remain undisclosed, consistent with Aster's approach to guarding narrative secrets until release. The director penned 'Scapegoat' during an extended writing period in late 2025, positioning it as his original concept and a deliberate choice for Johansson's involvement.
Why Aster Chose Johansson
Since 'Hereditary''s critical breakthrough, Aster's screenplays have commanded industry attention for their originality and thematic depth. According to reports, Johansson was the filmmaker's top choice from the outset. After reading the script, the actress committed to the project, with producers expediting scheduling to accommodate her existing commitments.
Johansson's Packed 2026 Schedule
Johansson enters 2026 with a notably full slate: she is set to reprise her role in the next Exorcist film at Universal and will film the forthcoming Batman sequel opposite Robert Pattinson later this summer. 'Scapegoat' production is planned for later in the year to fit her availability. This follows a prolific 2025 that included headlining 'Jurassic World: Rebirth', which grossed $868 million worldwide upon its July release, with a sequel already in development.
Recent Career Moves
Johansson recently made her directorial debut with 'Eleanor the Great', a Sony Pictures Classics drama that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. The move signals her expanding creative ambitions beyond acting, even as her on-screen commitments remain intensive.
What's Next
Further casting and production timeline details are expected in the coming months. A24's track record with Aster's work — including the critical and commercial success of 'Midsommar' and 'Beau Is Afraid' — positions 'Scapegoat' as a high-profile prestige release in the distributor's slate.
Point of View
Batman, and directorial ambitions — prioritized his project signals how rare genuine screenwriting vision has become. A24's continued backing underscores a studio strategy of artist-first filmmaking in an era of IP saturation. The real test will be whether 'Scapegoat' delivers on the hype that now precedes every Aster project.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Scapegoat' and who is directing it?
'Scapegoat' is an original screenplay written and directed by Ari Aster, the filmmaker behind acclaimed films like 'Hereditary' and 'Midsommar.' The film will be distributed by A24, which has handled all of Aster's past four releases.
Why did Scarlett Johansson choose this project despite her busy schedule?
Johansson committed to 'Scapegoat' after reading Aster's script, reportedly impressed by its originality. Aster had specifically written the role with her in mind, making it his top choice for the lead. Production is being scheduled for later in 2026 to accommodate her existing commitments to the Exorcist and Batman sequels.
When will 'Scapegoat' go into production?
The film is slated to shoot later in 2026, after Johansson completes the Batman sequel scheduled for summer. Producers expedited the timeline to fit her availability around her other major projects.
What was Scarlett Johansson's most recent film success?
Johansson starred in 'Jurassic World: Rebirth,' which released in July 2025 and grossed $868 million worldwide. A sequel to that film is already in development. She also recently made her directorial debut with 'Eleanor the Great,' which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.
