Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, and Miles Teller Cast in New Thriller
"Ad Astra" director James Gray wrote the screenplay and will direct the film
"Ad Astra" director James Gray was able to assemble a real star cast for his new film: As the industry magazine Deadline reports, Marvel star Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver and Miles Teller have been signed up for the thriller "Paper Tiger".
The plot
"Paper Tiger" is about two brothers pursuing the American dream. But in a world full of violence and corruption, the two become entangled in a dangerous plan. They and their family are targeted by the ruthless Russian mafia. The once unshakeable bond between the brothers begins to crumble...
Cast
According to Deadline, Anne Hathaway and "Succession" actor Jeremy Strong were originally scheduled to appear in the film. However, their roles will now be played by Scarlett Johansson and Miles Teller. Johansson is of course best known for her numerous MCU films, where she was seen as Black Widow. She next takes on the lead role in "Jurassic World 4: Rebirth".
Adam Driver is probably best known for his role as Kylo Ren in the "Star Wars" films. Together with Johansson, he can be seen in the acclaimed Netflix film "Marriage Story". Miles Teller gained the most attention through his leading role in the award-winning music drama "Whiplash" and the action sequel "Top Gun: Maverick".
When will "Paper Tiger" be released?
Production on "Paper Tiger" is scheduled to start in June 2025. A release in 2026 therefore seems quite possible. If you're looking for more original films away from sequels and franchise productions, you can take a look at our preview of upcoming film highlights here!
The most popular films with Scarlett Johansson
MCU movies
Scarlett Johansson became known to a global audience primarily through her role as Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She made her first appearance in 2010 in "Iron Man 2". This was followed by numerous other films such as "The Avengers", "Captain America: The Winter Soldier", "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Avengers: Endgame". Johansson not only embodied a tough, highly trained spy, but also gave the character emotional depth. Her performance was crucial to Black Widow's rise from a minor character to a mainstay of the Marvel universe.
Black Widow
"Black Widow" is the first and only solo film of her MCU character. Johansson was finally given the opportunity to tell Natasha Romanoff's backstory. The film takes place between "Captain America: Civil War" and "Avengers: Infinity War" and sheds light on the spy's dark past.
Lost in Translation
Scarlett Johansson had her breakthrough at a young age in Sofia Coppola's "Lost in Translation". She plays Charlotte, a young American woman who is stranded in Tokyo with her husband. The relationship with Bill Murray's character, an ageing actor in a crisis of meaning, develops beyond clichés – subtle, sad and beautiful at the same time. Johansson demonstrates a flair for nuance and psychological subtlety in this role. The film has won several awards and is still considered a milestone in modern independent cinema, not least because of the outstanding chemistry between the two leading actors. "Lost in Translation" was significantly influenced by the films of Wong Kar-Wai, in particular "In the Mood for Love".
The Prestige
In Christopher Nolan's "The Prestige", about rival magicians in Victorian London, Johansson plays the assistant and lover of both magicians. Her character Olivia Wenscombe becomes a central component of the psychological power struggle between the protagonists, played by Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale.
Marriage Story
In "Marriage Story" by director Noah Baumbach, Johansson gives one of her most haunting performances. She plays Nicole, an actress in divorce proceedings with her husband Charlie (Adam Driver). She expresses the emotional turmoil of a woman caught between self-realization and family responsibility. The film is an intense character drama about love, separation, hurt and the struggles of communication. Johansson succeeds in portraying her character in a multi-layered way: sometimes vulnerable, sometimes angry, then tender again. One central confrontation between the two main characters in particular has been widely praised – for its emotional impact and the precision of the acting. Johansson was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Jojo Rabbit
Scarlett Johansson also impressed in Taika Waititi's "Jojo Rabbit" in 2019. She plays Rosie, the mother of a young boy who is a member of the Hitler Youth. Rosie is a warm-hearted, wise and secretly rebellious woman who teaches her son values such as compassion, tolerance and imagination – all under the eyes of a totalitarian regime. Her performance earned her another Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Upcoming films
In addition to "Paper Tiger" and "Jurassic World: Rebirth", Johansson's next film is "The Phoenician Scheme". The film is directed by Wes Anderson, with whom the actress also recently worked on "Asteroid City". You can watch the trailer for "The Phoenician Scheme" here!
