Scarlett Johansson Criticizes Early Career Typecasting, Highlights Progress for Women in Hollywood
Scarlett Johansson has spoken out about the limited and often objectifying roles she was offered early in her career, shedding light on the industry’s narrow portrayal of women.
In a recent interview with The Times of London, the 40-year-old actress reflected on frequently being cast in roles defined by “desirability” and the “male gaze,” where her characters’ arcs often revolved around male perspectives.
Johansson acknowledged that Hollywood has evolved since then, calling this “a different time for young women.” She noted, “The messaging is different now—there are more role models, women in powerful positions are more visible, and the opportunities to play multi-dimensional female characters have expanded.”
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However, she recalled her early career struggles, saying, “Many of the roles I was offered or pursued back then centered on their desirability or a male-driven narrative. Thankfully, that’s becoming less common—there’s been a shift.”
This isn’t the first time Johansson has addressed the issue. In 2022, The Avengers star revealed she felt “hypersexualized” from a young age, which led to her being typecast. “I was objectified and pigeonholed to the point where I stopped getting offers for the kinds of roles I truly wanted,” she shared.
She added, “I remember feeling like people saw me as much older than I was. It went from being something expected to something I had to push back against.”
Johansson’s candid remarks highlight both the progress and lingering challenges for women in Hollywood, as the industry continues to grapple with representation and gender dynamics.
