Scarlett Johansson: 'I should be allowed to play any person, or any tree, or any animal'

Scarlett Johansson has a few things to say about last year’s controversy over her being cast to play a transmasculine man.

In a new interview with As If Magazine, Johansson cites “political correctness” that caused her to leave a role in the mob drama Rub & Tub. The controversy echoes the upset that came in 2017 when Johansson starred in Ghost in the Shell, a sci-fi film based on a popular Japanese manga and anime.

But despite both controversies, Johansson told As If Magazine that she should be free to play whoever she wants.

“You know, as an actor I should be allowed to play any person, or any tree, or any animal because that is my job and the requirements of my job,” said Johansson. “I feel like it’s a trend in my business and it needs to happen for various social reasons, yet there are times it does get uncomfortable when it affects the art because I feel art should be free of restrictions.”

Johansson continued to say that she believes society would be “more connected” if people were allowed to have their “own feelings and not expect everyone to feel the way we do.”

But many people felt Johansson’s comments highlighted how people who aren’t in her privileged position fight for film roles every day.

“Scarlett Johansson is right. She should be allowed to play any role. But until marginalized people get equal representation and access to the opportunities she NOW enjoys, this is pretty low on the priority list and it’s sentiment’s meaning empty and mostly moot,” replied one Twitter user.

“lmao scarlett johansson was asked about giving up that trans role and then immediately jumped to comparing playing different gender identities/ethnicities to... animals and trees? ok hun,” another user commented.

“ScarJo is the highest paid female actor in 2018, banking $40.5 mil,” said one Twitter user. “But she feels entitled to take roles away from Asian, Trans & other underrepresented actors?”

”OMG guys I met scarlett johansson !!!” one user joked, posting a picture of a large tree.

Others seemed to feel that the controversy was unnecessary.

“Scarlett Johansson said she wants to play any role she wants ... you know ... like actors do ... and that’s what y’all are bitching about today,” said another user.

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