Scarlett Johansson’s Career Best Rotten Tomatoes Streak Was Ruined 7 Years Ago & Would Still Be Going Otherwise
Scarlett Johansson, an actress known for her versatile roles and significant box office success, experienced an unfortunate interruption to what could have been an even more impressive streak of highly rated films on Rotten Tomatoes. Seven years ago, Johansson’s streak of critically acclaimed movies was abruptly halted by a project that didn’t meet the high standards set by her previous works. Had this not happened, her streak might still be ongoing, cementing her status as one of the most consistently successful actresses in Hollywood.
Johansson’s journey to becoming a celebrated actress began in the early 2000s with standout performances in films like “Lost in Translation” and “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” both of which showcased her talent and garnered critical acclaim. However, it was her involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Black Widow that significantly elevated her profile. Films like “Iron Man 2,” “The Avengers,” and “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” were not only box office hits but also received positive reviews, contributing to her growing reputation for starring in critically acclaimed movies.
The streak in question began around 2013, coinciding with her performances in “Her,” “Under the Skin,” and “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” Each of these films was not only a commercial success but also praised by critics, solidifying Johansson’s place as a versatile actress capable of excelling in diverse roles. Her ability to seamlessly transition between indie films and blockbuster franchises was particularly noted, and she seemed unstoppable.
However, in 2017, Johansson’s impressive streak came to an unexpected end with the release of “Ghost in the Shell.” The film, a live-action adaptation of a popular Japanese manga and anime, faced significant backlash even before its release. Accusations of whitewashing – casting Johansson as the lead in a story deeply rooted in Japanese culture – overshadowed the film. When “Ghost in the Shell” finally hit theaters, it was met with mixed to negative reviews, effectively breaking Johansson’s streak of positively reviewed films on Rotten Tomatoes.
Critics pointed out that while Johansson’s performance was commendable, the film itself failed to capture the essence of its source material and suffered from a lackluster script and direction. The controversy surrounding its casting choices further marred its reception. As a result, “Ghost in the Shell” ended up with a less-than-stellar rating on Rotten Tomatoes, bringing Johansson’s streak to a disappointing halt.
Despite this setback, Johansson’s career continued to flourish. She starred in a string of successful films following “Ghost in the Shell,” including “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Avengers: Endgame,” and “Marriage Story.” These movies not only performed well at the box office but also received critical acclaim, demonstrating Johansson’s resilience and ability to bounce back from a career stumble.
In retrospect, if “Ghost in the Shell” had not faltered in the eyes of critics and audiences, Johansson’s streak of highly rated films might still be ongoing. This streak would have been a testament to her consistent ability to choose projects that resonate both with audiences and critics alike. Nevertheless, Johansson’s body of work remains impressive, and she continues to be one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood, with a career that exemplifies both commercial success and critical recognition.
