Scarlett Johansson has reflected on how her career has been shaped by perceptions of her as a Hollywood sex symbol, insisting this was never her intention despite roles in films such as Lost In Translation, Under The Skin and the Marvel Cinematic Universe reinforcing that image. She argues the label stems more from her confidence in playing such characters than from any deliberate emphasis on appearance, and has previously said she did not consider herself particularly sexy in films like Lost In Translation or The Other Boleyn Girl.

The actor has also spoken candidly about facing rejection despite her Hollywood status, telling CBS News she had desperately wanted to be cast as Daisy in Baz Luhrmann's 2013 adaptation of The Great Gatsby, a role that ultimately went to Carey Mulligan. Johansson was reportedly among several high-profile actors who auditioned for the part. Despite missing out, this period of her career also produced some of her most acclaimed performances, underlining her resilience in the face of setbacks.