Marvel stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Don Cheadle, Danai Gurira, and Paul Bettany unite to encourage voter participation in what Scarlett Johansson calls an “emergency” election. With just days remaining before Election Day, Johansson expressed her feelings about the upcoming matchup between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump during a recent interview with Vanity Fair.
“How am I feeling? Oh God, I don’t know,” Johansson stated, reflecting the anxious anticipation many Americans share as the 2024 presidential race approaches its climax. She continued, “I feel cautiously optimistic… I hope people remember to vote, are not complacent, and participate. I feel like, if people vote, then we’ll be in good shape.”
Getting voters to the polls is a significant challenge, akin to a superhero mission. Johansson, known for her role as Black Widow, took to the Avengers group text to rally her fellow Marvel Cinematic Universe stars. “We don’t just rib each other. We also share information about different events or fundraisers,” she explained. She reminded her colleagues of their collective power, encouraging them to create a viral moment in support of Kamala Harris.
The collaboration resulted in a new get-out-the-vote video, debuting exclusively with Vanity Fair, featuring Johansson alongside other Marvel stars. “I don’t think I’ve ever gotten so many immediate responses from these people,” she remarked, excited by the swift enthusiasm from her fellow actors.
Coordinating the schedules of some of Hollywood’s busiest stars proved to be no easy task. Johansson described the challenges, noting that while Chris Evans was filming in Bulgaria and Robert Downey Jr. was performing on Broadway, they managed to convene everyone for a Zoom call. “We were able to get everybody… on a Zoom all together at the same time, which was crazy and hilarious,” she said.
Although actor Zachary Levi recently labeled Trump’s supporters as the “Avengers,” Johansson and her castmates have thrown their support behind Harris. In the video, the group attempts to craft a catchy phrase for the vice president, drawing on memorable moments from their films. “It just immediately turned into people trying to one-up each other with one-liners,” Johansson noted, adding that their playful banter mirrored the dynamic they share in their superhero roles.
The video culminates with a call to action, displaying the URL for iwillvote.com, a site that provides resources for checking voter registration status and locating polling places. Johansson acknowledged the emotional toll of the past few years but emphasized the importance of looking ahead. “You’re not really voting for four years, you’re voting for eight. I just hope people go exercise their right to vote,” she urged, especially encouraging young people to participate in shaping their future.
Worried about the potential consequences of another Trump presidency, Johansson reflected on her responsibilities as a parent. “My daughter is 10 years old, and I’m thinking about how much damage is done—not just politically and socially, but also environmentally—under the Trump administration,” she expressed. “It feels almost like an emergency.”
The urgency to support Harris stems not only from a desire to combat Trump but also from her belief in Harris’s capabilities as a compassionate leader. “I really felt when I talked to her that she’s a fair-minded, good-hearted person who is kind,” Johansson stated, highlighting kindness and compassion as crucial traits for effective leadership.
When discussing the stakes of the election, Johansson warned that another Trump term could signify a troubling new era. “It doesn’t seem to me like four more years of Trump—I think it’s a new era of Trump,” she cautioned, noting his influence on the Supreme Court and his strategic plans for long-term governance.
Speaking out on social issues is not new for Johansson, who was raised in a politically active family. Her grandmother, a dedicated supporter of the Democratic Party, instilled a sense of civic duty in her from a young age. “It’s important to engage in the society that you’re participating in,” she emphasized, encouraging others to have their voices heard and make a difference.
