Scarlett Johansson Breaks Box Office Records
Scarlett Johansson has made history by becoming the global box office’s highest-grossing lead actor, thanks to her performance in Jurassic World: Rebirth. This achievement marks a significant milestone in her career, especially considering she left the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) four years ago. Her success has now placed her ahead of notable MCU stars such as Samuel L. Jackson and Robert Downey Jr.
In the latest film, Johansson takes on the role of Zora Bennett, an ex-military operative tasked with a mission to one of the few remaining islands where dinosaurs still exist. This marks her transition from the superhero world to the dinosaur franchise, taking over from Chris Pratt, who previously played the lead role.
The film has been a massive commercial success, earning $318 million (£233 million) globally in its first six days of release. This impressive opening places it second only to the Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 in 2025. The numbers highlight the continued popularity of major Hollywood releases and the strong global appeal of films featuring high-profile actors like Johansson.
According to data from The Numbers, this launch has significantly boosted Johansson’s lifetime career box office gross to $14.8 billion (£10.85 billion) for films where she plays a lead role or a lead ensemble role. A substantial portion of this total—over $8.7 billion (£6.38 billion)—comes from her work in the Avengers films and Captain America: Civil War, where she portrayed the iconic character Black Widow.
Johansson’s contributions to the box office are not limited to her superhero roles. Her debut in the MCU came with Iron Man 2, which helped establish her as a major star. Additionally, she has lent her voice to the animated films Sing, where she voiced Ash, a rock-loving porcupine. These diverse roles have all contributed to her impressive earnings.
When looking at the top five highest-grossing lead actors, Johansson now holds the number one position. The other names in this elite group include Tom Hanks, Robert Downey Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, and Chris Pratt. This ranking underscores the breadth and depth of her acting career, spanning multiple genres and franchises.
Johansson’s success is a testament to her versatility as an actress and her ability to draw large audiences worldwide. With her recent achievements, she continues to solidify her status as one of the most successful and influential actors in the entertainment industry. Her journey from the MCU to the Jurassic World franchise highlights her adaptability and enduring appeal to moviegoers around the globe.
