Scarlett Johansson Talks Being Judged As A Pregnant Actress

Scarlett Johansson did not have it easy during her two pregnancies while she was in the spotlight as a renowned actress.

Pregnancy comes with a mix of emotions, and things can become more stressful when others pile their opinions on the expectant mother.

In a recent interview, the "Ghost In The Shell" lead got candid about facing public scrutiny and being judged by other women in her close circle while expecting.

Johansson is a mother to two offspring, Rose Dorothy Dauriac, who she shares with her ex-husband Romain Dauriac, and Cosmo Jost, who she raises with her current spouse Colin Jost.

In a sit-down with Vanity Fair for her profile interview, the "Under The Skin" lead said she has always been "hyper-aware" of the microscopic focus on women in Hollywood and how it can be damaging.

Johansson, who welcomed Cosmo last August and Rose seven years ago, spoke on how she felt the need to secure the safety of her unborn children while navigating the physical and emotional changes that come with conception. She said:

"I’ve been so protective of both pregnancies, not wanting to feel scrutinized in the public eye. 

I wanted to be able to have my own feelings about my changing body without other people also telling me how they saw me, whether it was positive or negative."

While carrying Cosmo in 2021, the "Lucy" actress realized how much people pile their hopes, judgments, and desires on pregnant women.

Johansson did not only suffer scrutiny from strangers but people in her close circle too. She noted that many friends called her situation wonderful.

The mother-of-two explained that though she was excited to be pregnant in many ways, she had a lot of "not-great" feelings about it as well. 

Johansson also touched on being judged by her female friends, noting that she expected such from men but not from women who have been through similar situations. She spoke on a pen pal who reacted appropriately, saying:

"One friend, when I told her that I was pregnant -- she knew I was trying to get pregnant -- she was just like, 'Oh s**t. Great, but not great.' And I was like, 'You’re a true friend.'"

The Academy Award nominee posited that despite the many advancements in empowering women, things are yet to change around the judgment of expectant mothers. In her words:

"I feel like a lot of things have moved forward in the past five years in terms of women’s empowerment, but that thing remains sort of in the Dark Ages. So much judgment, it’s crazy."

Johnson and Jost collaborated with Amazon and Super Bowl for a commercial that poked fun at how married life would be if their Alexa device had mind-reading capabilities.

In February, The Blast disclosed the details of the 2022 Super Bowl ad. In one scene, the "Sing" actress wakes up beside her partner in bed one morning and rolls over to him, saying, “I love that we get to sleep in.”

Jost immediately winces and buries his nose in a pillow. Alexa then says, “Ordering fresh mint mouthwash. Extra strength,” while his wife smells-tests her breath.

The ad also explored other funny situations featuring the mind-reading Alexa. In one scenario, the "Saturday Night Live" writer asked Johansson if she enjoyed her kissing scenes with her hot co-stars.

The "Avengers: End Game" actress assured him that she did not enjoy them, adding, “It’s the worst.” Just then, Alexa called her out on her lie by playing Fleetwood Mac's “Little Lies” single. 

Though the ad was only one minute and thirty seconds long, the lovebirds also treated viewers to another scene that showed how Johannson feels about having to listen to her husband when she just wants to work.

Another hilarious instance showed Jost choosing to fake his death rather than attend one of the "Sing 2" actress's performances. 

Amazon's VP of global brand and fixed marketing Claudine Cheever told Variety that the couple was very involved in the writing of the jokes for the Alexa commercial.

Johansson and Jost appear to have a naturally humorous relationship. Cheever noted that celebrities work well for their brand when "they poke fun at themselves and are willing to have fun with themselves."