Elordi in talks to star with Johansson in Ari Aster's *Scapegoat*

Jacob Elordi is in early talks to join Ari Aster’s next film *Scapegoat*, according to Variety, reuniting him with Scarlett Johansson in a thriller produced by A24. The Australian actor, best known for *Euphoria* and *Saltburn*, would play the male lead in a project that already stars Johansson, one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars and a two-time Oscar nominee. A24, the indie studio behind *Hereditary* and *Everything Everywhere All at Once*, is producing the film, signaling a high-profile return to psychological horror for Aster, who hasn’t directed a feature since his 2019 cult hit *Midsommar*.

Aster’s last two films earned cult status and critical acclaim, with *Hereditary* becoming a modern horror classic. Johansson, who rose to global fame in Marvel’s *Black Widow*, has increasingly shifted toward prestige roles, including last year’s *Asteroid City*. The pairing of Elordi and Johansson suggests a blend of star power and genre ambition, likely aimed at both arthouse and mainstream audiences. Reports suggest the script remains tightly controlled, but industry chatter hints at themes of guilt, family trauma, and psychological unraveling—hallmarks of Aster’s style.

If the deal closes, it would mark another major collaboration between A24 and top-tier talent. Aster’s films often explore fractured family dynamics, cults, and inherited trauma, audiences have come to expect a slow-burn dread punctuated by explosive emotional releases. Johansson’s involvement alone guarantees distributor interest, while Elordi’s rising star—fueled by *Priscilla* and *Saltburn*—adds fresh appeal. Shooting dates haven’t been announced, but A24’s rapid production cycles suggest a 2025 release is plausible.

With Aster’s films routinely sparking awards buzz and box-office upside, *Scapegoat* could reinforce A24’s reputation as the home of bold, auteur-driven cinema. The film’s secrecy only adds to its allure, keeping fans and critics guessing. If the cast gels, it may not just be a critical darling—it could become the kind of mid-budget thriller that outpaces bloated studio tentpoles.