Brief
Scarlett Johansson says singing in Ray Gunn was ‘embarrassing’
The actress described studio singing as the hardest part of her role as pop star Venus Nova at the BFI London Film Festival premiere.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Scarlett Johansson, 41, told the Press Association on the red carpet of the BFI London Film Festival that recording songs for the animated film Ray Gunn was the most challenging aspect of her role as Venus Nova, a pop‑star caught in a scandal.
What happened
Johansson said the recording‑studio sessions with music producers and cameras felt “daunting” and that she sometimes “lost her nerve”. She added that after pushing through the embarrassment, the feeling faded and she was able to complete the songs.
What the reports add
The Standard notes that Johansson is best known for films such as Lost In Translation, Black Widow and Marriage Story, but has previously sung in movies, including the animated musical franchise Sing and its sequel. Director Brad Bird praised both Johansson and co‑star Sam Rockwell, calling them “magnificent actors” who convey genuine feeling on first takes. Rockwell himself described his role as involving “a lot of grunting and screaming”.
What was said
Johansson told the Press Association, “As far as the songs go, I find that part to be the most frustrating because it’s not my everyday job… I love to sing and I sing all the time, but doing it in the recording studio … felt daunting.” Bird added to the PA, “In Scarlett’s case she is not only an amazing actress but she can really sing too, and she sings in this film too and that’s rare.”
How it came about
Ray Gunn is directed by Brad Bird, known for Pixar’s The Incredibles and Ratatouille. The film, set in an alternate 1939 metropolis where humans and aliens coexist, will open in UK cinemas on 4 December and stream on Netflix from 18 December.
Key facts
- Johansson said singing in Ray Gunn was the hardest part of her role. (standard.co.uk)
- She described studio sessions as daunting and embarrassing. (standard.co.uk)
- Brad Bird praised Johansson and Sam Rockwell as magnificent actors. (standard.co.uk)
- Ray Gunn premieres at the BFI London Film Festival and releases in cinemas on Dec 4, Netflix on Dec 18. (standard.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “Scarlett Johansson admits she felt ‘embarrassed’ singing in Ray Gunn”
