Scarlett Johansson appeared at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday to lead a panel for her directorial debut, Eleanor The Great, discussing the film's themes, the casting process and her influences behind the camera.
The film, which premiered at Cannes in May and is scheduled for release Sept. 26, follows a 90-year-old woman named Eleanor who moves to New York City for a fresh start and befriends a 19-year-old student. Johansson directed the project and appeared onstage with co-stars Erin Kellyman and June Squibb to talk about making the movie and the relationship at the heart of the story.
Johansson credited an early career experience with Robert Redford for shaping her approach to directing. "That was transformative for me," she said, referring to her role in Redford's The Horse Whisperer when she was 13. "I understood I was getting so much more from him as an actor. He encouraged discovery — and that's stayed with me."
She also spoke about the tone she wanted for Eleanor The Great, saying she avoided heavy-handed messaging. "I don't feel all movies have to deliver a message. Just being able to sit in somebody else's shoes for an hour and 40 minutes — that's enough," Johansson said.
Onstage, Johansson wore a silk blue shirt and baggy jeans paired with a camel-coloured suede oversized blazer. The panel included conversation with 26-year-old British actress Erin Kellyman and 95-year-old June Squibb, who plays the title role.
Kellyman described a close bond that developed with Squibb during production. The younger actress said the pair lived in the same apartment building during the eight-week shoot, attended Saturday dinner parties together and that she would sometimes ask Squibb for outfit advice. Kellyman auditioned for the role in December 2023, took part in multiple Zoom calls with Johansson and began filming in February 2024.
The festival appearance drew other industry figures to the event; attendees at the Toronto Film Festival over the weekend included actors such as Channing Tatum and Sydney Sweeney.
Johansson also joked about future collaborations with Squibb, saying the pair could find opportunities to work together again and quipping about appearing on Saturday Night Live together. The film’s release later this month will offer broader audiences a chance to see the cross-generational relationship at the center of her first feature as director.