Scarlett Johansson Clings to Selena Gomez’s Drama in a Desperate Bid to Stay Relevant

Scarlett Johansson, once one of Hollywood’s most in-demand actresses, seems to be running out of major projects.

With no major blockbusters or headline-worthy roles in the pipeline, she’s now resorting to an old Hollywood trick—attaching herself to ongoing drama to keep her name in the conversation.

And what better controversy to latch onto than Selena Gomez’s never-ending tabloid saga?

Johansson’s recent involvement in the discourse surrounding Gomez and Benny Blanco has raised eyebrows, not for any substantial reason, but because it reeks of a desperate attempt to remain relevant in an industry that’s quickly moving on.

Johansson has had an undeniably successful career, but the landscape of Hollywood is changing.

Once a leading force in big-budget films, she’s been noticeably absent from major franchises or high-profile projects in recent years.

Following Black Widow (2021) and her legal dispute with Disney, Johansson’s career has taken a quieter turn. While she’s still a respected actress, she hasn’t headlined anything particularly groundbreaking.

 Unlike her contemporaries, who are landing Oscar-worthy roles or reinventing themselves in prestige TV, Johansson seems to be struggling to find her next big move.

And in a world where relevance is currency, what better way to remind people of your presence than by jumping into someone else’s drama?

Selena Gomez is no stranger to controversy. From her messy history with Justin Bieber to her ongoing feuds with Hailey Bieber and various industry figures, Gomez is constantly making headlines.

Now, with her highly publicized relationship with Benny Blanco, the drama has only intensified.

Johansson’s sudden and highly publicized support of Blanco seems… oddly timed. She praised him as “one of the most authentic and loyal people in the industry,” which, on the surface, seems harmless.

But given the current narrative surrounding Blanco and Gomez’s relationship—where loyalty and authenticity have been called into question—Johansson’s words felt suspiciously pointed.

Fans immediately noticed that her praise seemed less like a casual compliment and more like a subtle dig at Gomez, whose relationships have often been criticized for their instability.

This isn’t the first time an aging star has attached themselves to a younger celebrity’s drama to stay relevant.

Hollywood has seen it before—when careers start to slow, some celebrities pivot from their craft to pop culture discourse, hoping the headlines will keep them in the public eye.

By subtly inserting herself into Gomez’s relationship drama, Johansson ensures that her name is mentioned in the same breath as one of the most talked-about celebrities of the moment.

Whether she’s trying to align herself with Blanco or subtly shade Gomez, the strategy is clear—stay in the headlines at any cost.

Gomez’s fanbase wasn’t fooled. Many took to social media to call out Johansson’s conveniently timed praise of Blanco, questioning her motives.

"Why is Scarlett suddenly acting like Benny Blanco’s biggest fan? Feels like she’s trying to stay relevant by jumping into drama that has nothing to do with her," one Twitter user wrote.

Another added: "If she wanted to support Benny, fine. But the way she framed it? That was definitely a dig at Selena."

Despite this, some defended Johansson, arguing that she was simply voicing her opinion. However, in Hollywood, nothing is ever said without purpose, and fans weren’t convinced this was just an innocent compliment.

This isn’t the first time Johansson has been accused of using controversy to her advantage.

Whether it’s her past tone-deaf comments about diversity in Hollywood or her history of choosing roles that sparked backlash (Ghost in the Shell, anyone?), she’s no stranger to controversy-fueled headlines.

But now, with no major projects to push, she seems to be leaning into a different kind of strategy—aligning herself with the right people at the right time, even if it means stirring the pot.

If Johansson is truly relying on tabloid drama to stay in the public eye, she might have a problem. Hollywood moves fast, and younger stars are constantly emerging to take the spotlight.

If she doesn’t find a meaningful project soon, no amount of subtle shade or strategic alliances will keep her relevant.

For now, her name remains in the headlines, but at what cost? Will this tactic keep her afloat, or will it backfire, making her seem more desperate than ever?

One thing is certain—if she doesn’t land a major role soon, she may find herself with nothing left to talk about but other people’s business.