Scarlett Johansson’s excitement about landing the role of Zora Bennett in the upcoming blockbuster "Jurassic World: Rebirth" is palpable, and she’s not shy about sharing it. The Hollywood star, known for her dynamic performances, revealed that securing the part felt like a dream come true. According to a report by Lyn Ching on "24 Oras" aired June 26, 2025, Johansson called her husband, comedian and "Saturday Night Live" co-host Colin Jost, the moment she found out she was cast. "I called my husband Colin [Jost] and was like, 'I’m in Jurassic!' 'cause he knows how meaningful it was and he’s still so excited," she shared.
Her enthusiasm extends beyond the role itself. Johansson emphasized the importance of expressing excitement, even if it feels embarrassing. "Even if you feel kind of embarrassed to share your enthusiasm, you should because it can result in a dream come true," she said, encouraging others to embrace their passions openly.
Johansson’s connection to the "Jurassic" franchise runs deep. She fondly recalled sleeping in a Jurassic-themed tent for a whole year during her childhood—a testament to her long-standing fandom. "I think my sister made me get rid of it after a year because this thing takes up the entire room," she joked. This childhood fascination continues into her adult life, where she enjoys building pillow forts with her 4-year-old son, a playful nod to her imaginative spirit.
In "Jurassic World: Rebirth," Johansson takes on the role of Zora Bennett, a covert operations expert, adding a fresh and thrilling character to the franchise’s expansive universe. She stars alongside Jonathan Bailey, who plays paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis, and Mahershala Ali as Duncan Kincaid. Directed by Gareth Edwards, the film follows a team of specialists embarking on an expedition to a forbidden island that houses a research facility linked to the original "Jurassic Park". The movie is set to premiere on July 2, 2025.
Johansson also shared a glimpse into her personal life, balancing her cool on-screen persona with motherhood. "I’d like to be thought of as the coolest mom. I have an 11-year-old daughter, so she goes in between thinking I'm the coolest mom and also the most embarrassing mom, which I think is healthy," she revealed, offering a relatable insight into the challenges of parenting.
Beyond the film set, Johansson appeared on "The Tonight Show" with Jimmy Fallon to promote "Jurassic World: Rebirth" and engaged in a lighthearted game about which celebrities would survive a dinosaur attack. When asked to choose between her husband Colin Jost and his "Weekend Update" co-host Michael Che, she confidently picked Jost, citing his Staten Island roots as proof of his toughness. "I’m only going to say Colin because he’s from Staten Island. He’s a tough guy," Johansson said, laughing. Fallon agreed, quipping, "Colin, you are a tough guy. Good answers." This playful exchange highlighted Johansson’s affection and confidence in her husband’s resilience.
Johansson’s survival picks extended to other celebrities as well. She favored Chris Hemsworth over Chris Evans, reasoning that Hemsworth’s Australian background exposed him to "a lot of scary venomous snakes," presumably preparing him better for a dinosaur encounter. Adam Driver was chosen over Bill Murray, not because of age but due to Driver’s past service as a Marine, underscoring a respect for real-world toughness.
When comparing actresses Brie Larson and Florence Pugh, Johansson leaned towards Larson, citing her intense physical training: "I’ve watched Brie push a tire up a hill as part of her training. I’ve watched Florence make a great bruschetta, so …" she trailed off, humorously suggesting that culinary skills might not be as useful in dino survival.
The director showdown between Sofia Coppola and Wes Anderson was tougher, with Johansson concluding that neither was ideally suited for "dinoland." She said, "I would say Sofia because maybe she’s had some interactions with big, honcho type of people. She comes from that type of family. Wes, absolutely not. No way. He is eaten for sure." This whimsical commentary added a fun dimension to the interview.
Interestingly, the discussion about toughness and survival resonated with real-life events involving Colin Jost. Last summer, during the 2024 Olympics, Jost suffered a foot injury on coral reefs while covering surfing in Tahiti, which became infected and forced him to leave the games early. Despite this setback, Jost maintained his "tough guy" image, even joking about frequent visits to the Olympic medical tent. Nearly a year later, on June 24, 2025, he embraced a different kind of role as Blue Moon’s first-ever celebrity ambassador, treating Staten Island beer fans to free drinks at local establishments as part of the brand’s "Nothing Outshines a Blue Moon" campaign. Whether his newfound celebrity status tested his toughness remains a playful mystery.
As anticipation builds for "Jurassic World: Rebirth," set to hit theaters on July 2, 2025, Johansson’s blend of enthusiasm, humor, and candidness continues to endear her to fans. From childhood dreams of Jurassic adventures to balancing motherhood and Hollywood stardom, she embodies a spirit that’s both relatable and inspiring. Whether facing dinosaurs on screen or playful challenges off it, Johansson’s journey is a compelling story of passion, resilience, and the joy of embracing life’s wild ride.
