Scarlett Johansson Rips Big Tech’s Grip on Hollywood and the Oscars

Actress Scarlett Johansson appears on the cover of Vanity Fair’s June issue to promote her upcoming film Jurassic World Rebirth, set to premiere July 2.

In an interview with Vanity Fair’s Hollywood correspondent David Canfield, Johansson spoke about a range of topics including the influence of big tech on Hollywood, artificial intelligence, and her career as both an actress and now a director.

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During the interview, Johansson commented on the growing entanglement between the entertainment industry and technology companies.

“These are people that are funding studios. It’s all these big tech guys that are funding our industry, and funding the Oscars, and so there you go,” Johansson said.

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She continued, “I guess we’re being muzzled in all these different ways, because the truth is that these big tech companies are completely enmeshed in all aspects of our lives. I don’t know how you fight that.”

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“It’s all these big tech guys that are funding our industry, and funding the Oscars, and so there you go. I guess we’re being muzzled in all these different ways, because the truth is that these big… pic.twitter.com/ZUZna7otmW

— VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) May 15, 2025

Johansson also voiced concern about artificial intelligence, stating that more public figures should be speaking out about the lack of regulation surrounding its use.

“There has to be some agreed-upon set of boundaries in order for [AI] to not be detrimental. I wish more people in the public eye would support and speak out about that—I don’t know why that’s not the case,” she said.

The actress reflected on her early career, expressing concern about children being left to make adult decisions in professional settings.

“Making decisions on your own—like, adult decisions as a kid—it’s a dangerous thing, right?” she said.

Speaking about her work on Lost in Translation, Johansson said, “I’m pretty proud of how I handled myself. I really just did the work, you know? It’s a good tactic for pushing through stuff. Eyes on the prize.”

She also discussed her costar from that film, Bill Murray.

“Bill [Murray] was in a hard place,” Johansson said. “Everybody was on tenterhooks around him, including our director and the full crew, because he was dealing with his…stuff.”

Johansson noted that she saw Murray earlier this year at the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special.

“He’s such a different person now,” she said.

“I think life has humbled him.”

When asked about recent misconduct allegations against Murray, Johansson said, “That was really bad. But I also know COVID was a hard thing for him. Life—all these things have led up to him being held accountable for that kind of behavior…But you know what? How wonderful that people can change.”

The interview also touched on Johansson’s upcoming directorial debut, Eleanor the Great, which premieres this week at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.

She addressed her decision to step away from her role in the Marvel franchise, saying, “I miss my buddies and really would love to be with them forever, but what works about the character is that her story is complete. I don’t want to mess with that. For fans too—it’s important for them.”

Johansson also referenced her interactions with SNL cast member Michael Che, joking about her plans for playful retaliation over jokes made at her expense on Weekend Update.

“I feel like it’s almost my responsibility to come up with some way to burn Michael back. Retaliation, I’d say, should be expected,” she said.

Several of Johansson’s colleagues shared thoughts on her work and character.

Director Sofia Coppola said, “She always seemed confident about directing—since I met her, when she was 17.”

Actor Robert Downey Jr. added, “There’s a leadership quality inherent in everything she does.” June Squibb remarked, “There’s no playing around. There is absolutely no s*** about her at all. Who she is is who you’re getting all the time.”

The Vanity Fair photo shoot was conducted by photographer Lachlan Bailey.

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