Hollywood has a new reigning monarch, and her name is Scarlett Johansson. Recently, Johansson achieved something no other actor has done before—she became the highest-grossing actor of all time. This historic milestone, fueled by her role in Jurassic World Rebirth, is reshaping the landscape of the film industry.
A Record-Breaking Triumph
Jurassic World Rebirth stormed into theaters over the July 4th weekend, earning an astonishing $318.3 million worldwide in its opening weekend. This blockbuster success pushed Johansson’s total career box office earnings past $14.8 billion, surpassing longtime record-holder Samuel L. Jackson, who now stands at $14.6 billion, and Robert Downey Jr., who sits at $14.3 billion.
What makes Johansson’s achievement even more impressive? She did it with only 36 leading roles, compared to Jackson’s 71 films and Downey Jr.’s 45. On average, each of her films has grossed over $405 million globally a testament to her unmatched star power.
The Marvel Machine
A huge part of Johansson’s box office dominance comes from her decade-long role as Natasha Romanoff, or Black Widow, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Eight MCU films contributed nearly $11 billion to her total earnings, including blockbusters like Avengers: Endgame and Avengers: Infinity War.
Though these movies were ensemble casts rather than solo projects, Johansson’s individual appeal shines through. Outside of Marvel, her top-grossing solo film is Luc Besson’s Lucy, which earned $463 million worldwide.
Versatility Beyond Superheroes
Johansson’s talents extend far beyond action-packed superhero flicks. Her voice role in Disney’s The Jungle Book grossed $968 million, and the Sing animated franchise added $634 million more. On the dramatic side, films like Marriage Story and Lost in Translation highlight her depth as an actress.
The Dinosaur Connection
In Jurassic World Rebirth, Johansson plays Zora Bennett, a fierce mercenary on a mission involving dinosaur DNA. She’s been eager to join the Jurassic franchise for over a decade, even joking she’d happily “die in the first five minutes” just to be part of it. Clearly, fans were ready to welcome her to this prehistoric universe.
Breaking Barriers for Women in Hollywood
Johansson’s record is historic not just for its numbers but for what it represents. She is the only woman in the global top five highest-grossing actors and one of just two women in the top 25. In an industry where men have traditionally dominated box office charts, Johansson’s success is a major step forward for female representation.
At 40, her career is far from over, and with projects like Jurassic World Rebirth still making waves, she’s poised to continue climbing.
The Bottom Line
Scarlett Johansson has proven she’s the most bankable star in Hollywood, captivating audiences across genres from blockbuster action to intimate dramas and voice roles in beloved animated films. Her ability to attract viewers is unmatched.
As her box office numbers continue to rise, Johansson isn’t just setting records she’s rewriting the rules of Hollywood stardom. And she does it all with an effortless grace that inspires the next generation.
