James Gray Gives Update On Scarlett Johansson’s Absence From ‘Paper Tiger’ Premiere In Cannes

At a Cannes where some have grumbled about a paucity of studio movies (and thus stars), the absence of Scarlett Johansson at last night’s premiere of Paper Tiger was notable. During the movie’s rousing 10-minute standing ovation director James Gray tried to make a call to the actress, according to reports and social media videos. The call wouldn’t connect or he couldn’t get through.

At least one report had the actress missing the premiere because she was filming Universal’s radical redo of The Exorcist, her involvement in which was first reported by Deadline.

Today at a press conference, Gray took a moment to read a letter from Johansson. The actress didn’t offer a reason for her absence, but did apologize for it.

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