Scarlett Johansson’s Latest Role Is Causing *Major* Controversy

Scarlett Johansson seems not to have learned a thing from the backlash she faced for her movie Ghost in the Shell, when fans called her out for “whitewashing” a character created in Japanese comics and cinema more than 20 years ago. The 33-year-old actress is in hot water again, this time for taking the role of real-life crime boss Dante “Tex” Gill, who ran secret brothels in the 1970s, in the upcoming film Rub & Tug (which is being directed by Ghost in the Shell‘s Rupert Sanders). Critics have pointed out that since Gill’s obituary stated that he identified as a man, the role should be played by a trans man and not a cisgender woman.

“You’re making a movie about a fat, Trans man who was a crime boss and Scarlett Johansson is the first name that comes to mind? Really?” one tweet read. Another person wrote: “Scarlett Johansson is playing a trans man in her next movie because her ultimate career goal is to take an acting job from a member of each and every marginalized group.”

In a statement to Bustle via her spokesperson, the actress reportedly said, “Tell them that they can be directed to Jeffrey Tambor, Jared Leto, and Felicity Huffman’s reps for comment.”

But therein lies the problem. In pointing to other cisgender actors who have played trans characters, the Avengers star is missing the issue at hand — and ignoring the fact that all of these actors were also criticized by transgender people and allies.

Tambor’s role on Transparent has faced plenty of backlash from the queer community, especially in light of allegations of harassment against trans actress and costar Trace Lysette. And when Leto won an Oscar for his portrayal of trans woman Rayon in Dallas Buyers Club, many said the role should have gone to a trans woman and not a cis man. Huffman played a trans woman in 2005’s Transamerica, a role that also could have gone to a trans actress.

Since Gill identified as a man, it’s problematic for Johansson to portray him in a movie, as she identifies as a woman. There are plenty of trans actors who could tackle the role instead, and they should be allowed that opportunity.

(photo via Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)

Marvel movies are known for their heroes and their hopeful outlook on the world. But in 2025, we're getting a brand new team: the Thunderbolts. This team is made up of antiheroes and former villains, and it's sure to be the wackiest and strangest, as well as one of the most memorable, superhero movies we've seen in recent years.

Keep reading for the latest news on Thunderbolts* before it hits theaters in 2025.

Marvel Studios/YouTube

Thunderbolts* comes out this May, and the cast just showed off some brand new footage at the D23 convention — and thanks to the new 'Celebrating 85 Years' spot, we have the first look too!

We get a look at Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, John Walker, and Ghost. Plus, Yelena Belova, of course. This heartbreaking detail about Yelena's new look connects Florence Pugh's Yelena to Scarlett Johansson's Natashaand I'm WEEPING.

Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios

And at D23 Brazil, we got a brand new look at my new favorite team. "There’s something in this film, in terms of superpowers and superheroes, that shows that our superpowers lie in how ‘broken’ we are," David Harbour said at the event. "As if our superpowers came from our relationships.”

What is the plot of Thunderbolts?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Plot

Consider Thunderbolts* to be The Avengers' edgy younger sibling. The movie follows Yelena Belova (who we know off the bat is a "depressed assassin" thanks to a Marvel Studios press release). She's joined by Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, and John Walker. Based on a leak, it looks like we'll see this group of misfits team up against Valentina Allegra de Fontaine after she sends them on a deadly mission.

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Jesse Grant/Disney

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2, 2025.

Who's on the Thunderbolts team?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Cast

Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.

This is a huge cast, and Viswanathan just revealed how crazy the first day of filming was. “My first day didn’t feel real," she tells Vanity Fair. "I felt this extra pressure of, ‘Know your lines, babe. You can’t really play around like you usually do.’"

Historically, sci-fi fans haven't been kind to actresses in their favorite projects (remember when Star Wars fans bullied Kelly Marie Tran off social media?). But Viswanathan is already thinking ahead. “If it’s overwhelming, I’ll log off. But I like discourse around pop culture,” she says. “[Thunderbolts*] felt a little bit edgier and fresher, more existential and dark.”

Jesse Grant/Disney

The rest of the cast also enjoyed working together. “Everyone is going to f—kin’ love me! It’s really, really, really fun to be with a group of actors that you have a good time with," Wyatt Russell says at Comic Con (via Variety), while David Harbour adds, “Florence Pugh [is] just electric to work with. There’s warmth and humor, but there’s also a lot of pathos.”

“This is why we can't stop laughing together, because we genuinely just had such a wonderful time with each other and we've loved working with one another," Pugh tells People. “I feel like this is something that we've never seen before from Marvel...it's a very open and honest and truthful idea. And I'm just really excited for people to watch it.”

Are you excited for this brand new chapter in the MCU? I really feel like Thunderbolts* will usher in a whole new generation of fans and I, for one, CANNOT WAIT! Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.

Lead images via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

This post has been updated.

Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.

We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.

We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?

I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?

Amazon

I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.

Did she announce the name of book no. 3?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.

Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.

Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.

And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.

There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.

When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.

She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.

When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.

She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.

As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.

However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.

Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.

I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!

Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?

Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing

Onyx Storm

Yes!

TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.

Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"

Are you excited for the release of Onyx Storm? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

Gladiator 2 isn't even in theaters yet (mark your calendars for November 22!) and star Paul Mescal is already thinking about doing a threequel. Although, after raving about director Ridley Scott, and sharing the screen with Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, and Joseph Quinn, who could blame him?! So if you're wondering 'Is there going to be a Gladiator 3?' then you've come to the right place.

Keep reading for all the latest Gladiator 3 news — and to see what Paul Mescal and Ridley Scott have said about returning.

Is there going to be a Gladiator 3?

Paramount Pictures

Paramount Pictures hasn't confirmed whether we're getting a Gladiator 3 quite yet, but director Ridley Scott is definitely on board. "I’ve already got eight pages. I’ve got the beginning of a very good footprint," he says. But he also mentions he'd like to make one huge change from the first two movies. "If there’s a Gladiator 3, I don’t think you’d ever go back into the arena. But I had to go back into the arena…"

And as for whether Paul Mescal would return? Well that's a resounding yes. “If there's going to be a Gladiator III, I hope I'm in it," he told Peopleat the LA premiere of Gladiator 2 on November 18, while adding to Variety that he'd be “massively down” for a third movie.

“I don’t think it will be [24] years — but I have no idea when it will be.”

www.tiktok.com

But Paul's comments on a Gladiator 3 weren't the only reason he made headlines last night! He brought GF Gracie Abrams (who just broke the internet in her own right when she performed with Taylor Swift). And while they didn't make a red carpet appearance together, it seems like Gladiator's official TikTok account just hard launched their relationship.

"THEY HIT THE PENTAGON," one user commented, while another said, "I just fell to my knees." If you can't tell from the drama, fans are going crazy. (It's me, I'm fans).

Is Russell Crowe in the new Gladiator?

No, sadly, Russell Crowe doesn't make an appearance in Gladiator 2 (well, apart from Gladiator flashbacks, that is). And if you're wondering 'Is Maximus alive in Gladiator 2?' you'll just have to watch the first one!

Do you want to see Paul Mescal return for Gladiator 3? Check out the 10 New November Movies We've Been Waiting All Year For before the month ends!

Kate Winslet is THE Hollywood actress to me. Not only has she starred in box office smashes like Titanic and Avatar: Way of Water, but she's proven her acting chops in breakout indie flicks and provided mothers and daughters everywhere with eternal Christmas movie nights thanks to The Holiday. But the actress' consistently viral kindness, her dedication to embracing her natural beauty, and her sophistication don't mean she always feels confident. Kate Winslet just spilled on the one movie from her career that had her "sh—ing" herself, and I just had to dive in.

Here's what Kate Winslet had to say about her scariest movie experience ever.

  • Kate Winslet made a name for herself with Titanic, Sense & Sensibility, and The Holiday.
  • However those movies aren't the film she wants fans to ask about!
  • The actress spills on the movies she's proud of, and the one job that had her "sh—ing myself."

Talking to Vanity Fair for her newest film Lee, Kate Winslet revealed one project she wishes fans asked about more is Iris. The 2001 film stars Kate as a young Iris Murdoch against Judi Dench's older counterpart. And for Kate, nothing was more terrifying than working with such a wonderful actress.

"People don’t really ask me about Iris. It’s such a delicate film," she says. "It was the first thing I had done after having my daughter. Going to work with a baby, I’m playing Iris Murdoch, looking to Judi Dench’s older Iris Murdoch — I was sh—ting myself."

Considering how nervous I get when I meet my heroes, I can only imagine what it was like to meet Dame Judi Dench. Talk about a dream! Another film Kate loves is Revolutionary Road, and not just because she got to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says of the film, which follows an ambitious couple who find themselves trapped in the reality of 1950s suburbia. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

The process for getting Lee into the world sounds equally brutal, considering Kate started working on it over a decade ago. As producer, Kate tells Vanity Fair she doesn't mind the fact she's done more for the film than if she only had an acting credit. "That has felt very necessary for this film. But it’s also just really important to me," she says. "It’s important to me that people know that it’s out there and might feel compelled to go and see it."

Because it turns out, commercial success or stardom on its own doesn't actually help your movie get made! "It doesn’t matter who you are," she says. "No one’s going to go, 'Oh, I’ll just back that pony because she was in Titanic.' It doesn’t happen that way, and I never expected that. That’s really important to say."

"I've gotten older and I’ve learned more and felt more confident in myself about whether or not I could actually do it," she adds. "It’s not something I would’ve done had I not felt so passionately about the subject, and Lee was just—she wouldn’t let me go."

Let us know your favorite Kate Winslet movies in the comments, and since we've officially entered cozy season, check out Why The Holiday Movie Ending Is The Most Important Scene while you're at it!

Working from home is a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it's great that you can get sh*t done virtually anywhere with WiFi, but on the other, you're constantly summoned to your couch (or in more severe cases, your bed) to take a "break" (a nap) that can impact your productivity. Having cute desk accessories and organization solutions on deck at all times is a must for anyone seeking to dial in and simply feel good about the whole 'working from home' thing. Whether you know the beauty of WFH life or not, these gifts for people who work from home will certainly liven up any workspace.

Our fave WFH gifts in this post:

Scroll on for more of the best WFH gifts to give in 2024!

Papier

1. Papier Joy Weekly Desk Planner

Seeing every to-do item in one place (that's not a computer screen) is a major game-changer for staying on-task, and the ultimate hack is this structured notepad.

Amazon

2. Personalized Acrylic Name Plate

This custom, made-to-order name plate would make any WFH-er feel more dignified.

Amazon

3. Rossie Home Premium Acacia Wood Lap Desk

This way, they can take their work anywhere, whether it be the sofa or bed. The finished wood gives this lap desk an upscale feel that means business!

Amazon

4. Cute Duck LED Lamp

This cute, squishy desk-sized lamp is sure to alleviate The Horrors (work stress).

Amazon

5. Kawaii Animals Erasable Gel Pen Set

These top-rated animal pens are the perfect little workday cheerleaders when they hang out at anyone's desk.

Uncommon Goods

6. Tech Taffy Desk Duster

This gooey glob helps get the grime (like dust and dirt) out from in between their keyboard, mouse, and headphones.

Amazon

7. Bose Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones

We're convinced that noise-cancelling headphones are a product directly from heaven. This pair does an excellent job at drowning out sonic distractions.

Amazon

8. Quartet Desktop Glass Monitor Riser for Computer with Dry-Erase Board

This desk riser with an attached dry-erase board helps eliminate papers from piling up on their desk. It's the perfect vehicle for meeting reminders, brainstorms, and other important work items.

Amazon

9. Aesthetic Highlighters

A highlighter in hand = instant productivity.

Amazon

10. Waterproof Desk Mat

This desk mat can handle it all – keyboards, notebooks, cold drinks, and basically everything else needed for the 9 to 5 grind.

Amazon

11. Ergonomic Computer Mouse Pad

Having an ergonomic setup can help prevent that infamous WFH-induced back pain. Start small with this soothing mouse pad!

Amazon

12. 12-Sided Fidget Toy

If your working-from-home gift recipient is on the anxious side, a fidget cube can be a real game-changer when it comes to letting out stress and pent-up energy.

Urban Outfitters

13. Little Glass Table Lamp

Shed some light on their daily work routine with an adorable tiny lamp, shoppable in a variety of playful colors and patterns.

Amazon

14. Colorful Sticky Notes

For helping them jot down genius ideas, look no further than gifting a hearty pack of sticky notes. The colors in this set will make working a lot more fun.

Amazon

15. Speks Crags Ferrite Putty

This super-satisfying stress ball alternative will keep their anxious hands busy during meetings and email sweeps.

Amazon

16. Electric Coffee Mug Warmer

Coffee is life, so make sure their caffeinated cup stays fresh all morning long. This gift is especially thoughtful if you know they're a slow sipper!

Loam Candles

17. Loam Harvest Basket Candle

Having a cute candle lit during the workday instantly improves morale. We don't make the rules.

Amazon

18. Ergonomic Laptop Riser

For the on-the-go worker, a laptop without a laptop riser is criminal. This easy-to-set up one has almost 12,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, most notable for its durability.

Umbra

19. Umbra Montage Wall Shelf

This lightweight, design-forward wall shelf is perfect for stowing away joy-inspiring knick-knacks and work necessities alike.

Amazon

20. Line Friends Cable Management Holder

Let these cutie little bears take the reins – er, rather, the cords – and create more space for a clear head.

Amazon

21. Moleskine Classic Hard Cover Notebook

This bound notebook will withstand any weather, plus it's the perfect place to write down great ideas!

ban.do

22. ban.do Sticker Book

This lively, colorful sticker book will make those long meetings much more entertaining. These would pair super well with the notebook above for a cutie gift set.

Amazon

23. Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Don't let them fry their eyes all day – these blue light glasses work to filter out the harmful effects of [dun-dun-dunnn] computer screens.

Target

24. Owala Stainless Steel Tumbler

Hydration helps fuel a healthy mind, and that noggin is needed for making great things happen at work. This 40oz insulated tumbler keeps drinks ice-cold all throughout the day!

Urban Outfitters

25. Chromoeye Working From Home Art Print

This poster says what we're all thinking about WFH.

Amazon

26. Pomodoro Timer

The Pomodoro technique is a killer method for staying tuned-in. With this timer, the work time versus rest time is left up to the user.

Uncommon Goods

27. The Work Wellness Deck

This box o' cards comes ready with 60 different prompts that help your local worker at home destress and recharge before, during, or after the workday.

Day Designer

28. Day Designer 2025 Daily Planner

A planner is going to help facilitate the utmost organization and productivity for your giftee that works from home.

Uncommon Goods

29. Stay Cool Adjustable Laptop Desk

This lap desk makes it easy for them to slouch on the couch (we're guilty!) or laze in bed while still getting sh*t done while they work.

ban.do

30. Hot Stuff Ceramic Mug Book Person

If it's not being used for coffee, consider this the cutest catch-all for miscellaneous desk junk.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.