Scarlett Johansson skips Cannes premiere due to The Exorcist filming commitments
Scarlett Johansson missed the Cannes premiere of Paper Tiger, her latest film with director James Gray. While the event went ahead without her, she later sent a letter explaining her absence. The actor is currently busy filming Universal’s new version of The Exorcist under director Mike Flanagan. Johansson’s directorial debut, Eleanor the Great, premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. However, she was not present for the screening of Paper Tiger, another film in which she stars. Gray reportedly tried to call her during the event but could not reach her.
In her apology letter, Johansson expressed regret for missing the premiere. She also praised Gray and the cast for their work on *Paper Tiger*. The scheduling conflict arose because she is committed to filming *The Exorcist*, a standalone horror project unrelated to the original franchise. Mike Flanagan’s version of *The Exorcist* is described as an entirely new story. Production demands have required adjustments to Johansson’s schedule, keeping her away from other professional commitments.
Johansson’s absence from the Paper Tiger premiere highlights the demands of her current role. The actor remains involved in multiple high-profile projects, including her directorial debut and Flanagan’s The Exorcist. Her letter to the Cannes team confirmed her continued support for Paper Tiger despite the scheduling clash.
