Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman are among the most talented and drop-dead gorgeous actresses in Hollywood. While there is often news about the rivalry between actresses, the two actresses are proof of a strong female friendship that goes back years. The Avengers fame and Portman always uplift one another and are each other’s biggest fans.
The two actresses Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman worked together in a historical romance drama film, The Other Boleyn Girl. During the shoot, Johansson assisted Portman in boosting her confidence and helping her with confrontation.
Scarlett Johansson helped Natalie Portman get over her fear of confrontation
Speaking to W magazine, Johansson shared how she taught Portman to be more assertive,
“Natalie would be uncomfortable in her costume and not say anythingShe’d tell me, ‘My rib is killing me.’ I’d be like, ‘Natalie, why don’t you say something?’ I’d have to be like, ‘Hellooo, someone, Natalie’s rib is hurting! Can you fix her zipper?’”
Portman agreed with the statement saying that she was not very confident at that time. Thor: Love and Thunder actress shared,
“My avoidance is a bit much. As an actor, you have to respect your position and know that you are fulfilling someone else’s vision. Mike Nichols always quotes Mamet’s line: ‘Film is a collaborative business: bend over.’”
Black Swan fame was delighted to work with Scarlett Johansson as it was like a dream come true situation. Portman said,
“It was really, really one of my best, if not the best, acting experiences opposite someone my age.”
The two actresses became good friends with the film.
Natalie Portman demanded to work only with Scarlett Johansson for The Other Boleyn Girl
Johansson and Portman collaborated for the first time in the film, The Other Boleyn Girl. The movie was a historical romance film where Johansson and Portman played sisters vying for the love and attention of a king. Natalie Portman shared in an interview with Cinemablend,
“I read the script and loved it and came on as Anne. I said I only want to do it if Scarlett does it. I had watched her for so long since we were kids, and she’s so true always, and so good. Like Scarlett was saying, you just never get the chance to work with someone your own age that you so admire. It was such a great, great chance.
Johansson had also joined the project because of the Attack of the Clones star. Lucy Star said,
“A major part of why I joined the project, is because Natalie was involved. I’ve been a huge fan of Natalie’s for a long time, and I’ve always loved her choices and her performances. I’d never had the opportunity to work on such an even playing field with my peer. It was a great opportunity for both of us I think.”
Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman collaborated for the second time in 2019 for the box office super hit film, Avengers: Endgame.
Source-Showbiz Cheat Sheet