Scarlett Johansson Opens Up About Constant Rejection, Not First Choice For 'Black Widow'

Scarlett Johansson opened up about the rejections she encountered before she made it big in Hollywood.

The “Black Widow” star opened up about her experiences before she enjoyed the popularity she has today. According to Johansson, she loved vintage-Hollywood movies and when she was young and her mother would shuttle her to auditions for commercials but it “never panned out.”

She was cast in 1997’s “Home Alone 3” and in 1998’s “the Horse Whisperer.” However, neither of the two movies catapulted her to fame, and they didn’t help her acting profile.

“Since a very young age, I’ve been rejected constantly,” Johansson told Parade Magazine. “When people starting out ask me for advice, I always say to stay open-minded, because you never know.”

In her teenage years, she was able to star in three 2001 films, but she remained grounded. She kept her social life active and never cut ties with her friends.

“I was too never caught up in being an actress or being a teenager. I had a social life and friends and made movies, and those two things never competed with each other,” she continued.

Johansson credited her values to her mom's parenting. The “Marriage Story” actress scored dual Golden Globe nominations when she was just 19 years old for her performances in 2003’s “Lost in Translation” and period drama “Girl With a Pearl Earrings,” but it didn’t change her.

Johansson also admitted that she was not the first choice to play the character of Black Widow. She recalled the wonderful meeting she had with “Iron Man 2” director Jon Favreau and how she offered him to just call her if thing won't work as they planned with their first choice.

“I was really excited to work with him, so I said, ‘If this doesn’t work out, I’m an actor for hire, so call me anytime,’” Johansson said.

The first choice was Emily Blunt. However, the “A Quiet Place” star couldn’t commit due to her schedule and the role was eventually given to Johansson.

“The best call you can receive is after you are rejected for something and then you get it,” Johansson continued. “You appreciate it more. I’ve basically made a career out of being second choice.”

In related news, Hugh Jackman shared that his feud with Ryan Reynolds was due to Johansson. The “Wolverine” actor said that he is very close to the “Avengers” star. At the time, Johansson and Reynolds just got married at the time, so he warned Reynolds.

“Hey, you better be on your best behavior here, pal, because I’m watching,” Jackman told Reynolds.