Scarlett Johansson might be a Hollywood A-lister these days, but just like every other famous actor and actress out there, she had to work her way to the top. That meant auditions, and believe it or not, she auditioned for several movies that became huge hits... but without her being cast in them. That's right, young miss Johansson failed multiple auditions for well-known movies.
Of course, things are a bit different now. Being a Hollywood superstar, Scarlett can pick and choose from roles. The tables have turned, and she now gets to reject the projects she's not into - proving that it pays off to stick with something and never giving up on a dream just because someone said she wasn't right for a role.
Whether it was a role she was turned down for or one that she rejected, we have got them all for you right here.
15 She Turned Down: Dante "Tex" Gill - Rub And Tug
While it's important for an actor to have range, it's also important for them to know that not every role is for them. Like the role of Dante "Tex" Gill in Rub And Tug. It's a movie based on a transgender character that Johansson had to turn down after facing criticism for accepting the role in the first place.
14 Rejected For: Lisbeth Salander - Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
Black Widow star Scarlett Johansson auditioned for the part of Lisbeth Salander but was rejected for it. According to The Hollywood Reporter, director David Fincher said in part, "Scarlett Johansson was great. It was a great audition, I’m telling you. But the thing with Scarlett is, you can’t wait for her to take her clothes off."
13 Rejected For: Hallie Parker And Annie James - The Parent Trap Remake
The Parent Trap remake launched fresh-faced Lindsay Lohan's career, but what you may not be aware of is that Scarlett Johansson auditioned for the role of the mischievous yet awesome twosome, Hallie Parker and Annie James. Due to a last-minute casting change, Johansson lost out to Lindsay Lohan and the rest is history.
12 She Turned Down: Marilyn Monroe - My Week With Marilyn
Michelle Williams' portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in My Week With Marilyn received mixed reviews. The role was first offered to Scarlett Johansson who turned it down. The star told USA Today, "There's a lot there to explore, and I like to watch other people do it, but I have no interest."
11 Rejected For: Ryan Stone - Gravity
The Blind Side star, Sandra Bullock's portrayal of Ryan Stone in Alfonso Cuarón's space thriller Gravity earned her an Oscar nomination. According to Uproxx, "Cuarón said he did speak to Johansson as well as a number of other actresses about the leading role in 'Gravity,' but eventually decided he just wanted someone older for the part."
10 She Turned Down: Daisy Buchanan - The Great Gatsby
Scarlett Johansson was a front runner for Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of The Great Gatsby. The star was set to play the manipulative and fickle Daisy Buchanan but had to bow out due to scheduling conflicts as she was filming We Bought A Zoo with Matt Damon. The role was then offered to Carey Mulligan.
9 Rejected For: Fantine - Les Misérables
Anne Hathaway's portrayal of Fantine in Les Misérables earned her countless nominations and a slew of awards. According to Broadway, Scarlett Johansson also auditioned for the role. The star revealed in part, "I think looking at the film now, there’s no possible way I ever could have topped that performance (by Anne Hathaway)."
8 Rejected For: Sarah Bailey - The Craft
A 12-year-old Scarlett Johansson auditioned for the lead role of Sarah Bailey in the teen witch movie The Craft. She didn't get the part, as The Mentalist star Robin Tunney played Bailey. We are guessing Johansson was too young for the part. Tunney was 22 years old when she was cast as the protagonist of the teen flick.
7 Rejected For: Evey Hammond - V For Vendetta
Natalie Portman is synonymous with Evey Hammond and we can't picture anyone else bringing the character to life quite as she did. However, we do wonder what could have been had Scarlett Johansson got the role of Hammond. The MCU star was offered the part but lost to Natalie Portman in the end.
6 She Turned Down: Rebecca - Thumbsucker
Kelli Garner played Rebecca in Thumbsucker but it was originally Scarlett Johansson that was set to play the character. Johansson dropped out of the film before filming began. Her performance in Lost In Translation put her on the radar of major film directors and owing to that fact had roles pouring in.
