Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson are two of Hollywood’s most accomplished actresses. Having started their career at a young age, they have since given multiple iconic performances including portraying beloved characters in the MCU.
Though they never shared the screen in the superhero franchise, they have previously collaborated on the 2008 romantic drama The Other Boleyn Girl. Portman, who played Anne Boleyn in the movie, later revealed that her decision to join the film was highly influenced by Johansson’s casting, as she had admired her for years and was eager to work with her.
Natalie Portman Joined The Other Boleyn Girl Only Because of Scarlett Johansson
The 2008 romantic drama, The Other Boleyn Girl, stars Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson as sisters, Anne Boleyn and Mary Boleyn, respectively, who vie for the love and favor of King Henry VIII, leading to political intrigue and personal betrayal.
When asked about how they got involved with the movie in an interview with Cinemablend, Portman shared that the only reason she agreed to do the film was because of the Black Widow star.
“I read the script and loved it and came on as Anne. I said I only want to do it if Scarlett does it,” she said before further expressing her admiration for Johansson and her talent, which she recognized long before she rose to Marvel stardom.
I had watched her for so long, since we were kids, and she’s so true always, and so good. Like Scarlett was saying, you just never get the chance to work with someone your own age that you so admire. It was such a great, great chance.
Both Portman and Johansson started their acting career at a young age, with Portman gaining significance for her work in films like Léon: The Professional and Johansson earning recognition for her performance in The Horse Whisperer initially.
The Don Jon star also expressed her deep admiration for Portman and shared that she didn’t want to miss the chance to collaborate with her when the opportunity arose.
Scarlett Johansson on Working with Natalie Portman
Both Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman share mutual respect and appreciation for each other. While the Black Swan star named Johansson as the reason for accepting the offer for The Other Boleyn Girl, the Marvel star also told Cinemablend,
A major part of why I joined the project, is because Natalie was involved. I’ve been a huge fan of Natalie’s for a long time, and I’ve always loved her choices and her performances.
The actress further shared how it was a rare opportunity to work “on such an even playing field with my peer.” The film’s producer Alison Owen also shared that “Portman’s restraint and Johansson’s lack of inhibition” complemented each other very well, creating a support system between them. “They were like two friends at school,” Owen said talking about The Other Boleyn Girl stars.
In a conversation with W Magazine, the actress also shared how they worked as a team, with Johansson often speaking up for Portman, even addressing her discomforts, like an ill-fitting costume.
Natalie would be uncomfortable in her costume and not say anything — She’d tell me, ‘My rib is killing me.’ I’d be like, ‘Natalie, why don’t you say something?’ I’d have to be like, ‘Hellooo, someone, Natalie’s rib is hurting! Can you fix her zipper?
The Thor actress admitted her tendency to avoid confrontation, stating that it is also something that made her “superpicky” about the projects she chose and preferred to align with a director’s vision from the start to avoid disagreements later on.
The Other Boleyn Girl is available to watch on Netflix.
