Scarlett’s Directing Debut Will Premiere At Cannes This Year!

Two well-known Hollywood actors are stepping into new creative roles at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Scarlett Johansson and Harris Dickinson are set to make their directorial debuts as part of the festival’s prestigious Un Certain Regard section.

A First for Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson, best known for her role as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, will premiere her first feature film titled Eleanor the Great. The heartwarming story follows a 90-year-old Florida woman who builds an unexpected friendship with a 19-year-old student in New York City. The film’s cast includes acclaimed actors June Squibb, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jessica Hecht, and Erin Kellyman.This marks a new chapter in Johansson’s career as she takes a step behind the camera to tell stories from a director’s perspective. Eleanor the Great is expected to explore themes of connection, age, and personal discovery.

Harris Dickinson Steps Behind the Camera

British actor Harris Dickinson, known for his performances in films like Triangle of Sadness and Beach Rats, will also make his directorial debut with a feature film titled Urchin. The movie tells the story of a drifter, portrayed by Frank Dillane, navigating life on the streets of London. Urchin is expected to offer a gritty, emotional portrait of survival and humanity, showing a side of London often left unseen. Dickinson’s shift to directing shows his growth as a storyteller and his desire to explore powerful social themes.

Cannes Unveils Exciting New Voices

The announcement was made during a press conference in Paris by Cannes delegate general Thierry Fremaux and festival president Iris Knobloch. Both films will be featured in the Un Certain Regard section, which is known for spotlighting emerging filmmakers and innovative storytelling. Johansson and Dickinson join an impressive group of directors debuting fresh perspectives in cinema. Their inclusion reflects the festival’s ongoing commitment to showcasing creative risks and artistic exploration.

A Record-Breaking Year for Cannes

This year’s Cannes Film Festival will also highlight major filmmakers such as Wes Anderson, Ari Aster, and Kelly Reichardt. With a record 2,909 films submitted for consideration, the 2025 festival promises to be one of the most diverse and dynamic lineups to date. As Johansson and Dickinson prepare to premiere their directorial projects, all eyes will be on Cannes to see how these two stars shine behind the camera.