Jacob Elordi is negotiating to star opposite Scarlett Johansson in Ari Aster’s upcoming A24 thriller, ‘Scapegoat,’ with production expected to begin later this year.
The 29-year-old Oscar-nominated actor is currently in talks to join the project, which would mark his first major film role since his demanding work on Frankenstein. The film is being developed by A24, the studio behind Aster’s previous four movies, and would continue the director’s long-standing partnership with the distributor.
Scarlett Johansson Already Set to Lead
Scarlett Johansson was announced as the lead for Scapegoat back in May 2026. The Oscar-nominated actress has been Aster’s top choice for the role from the beginning. This project adds to Johansson’s already packed schedule, which includes Mike Flanagan’s The Exorcist: Martyrs and the crime thriller Paper Tigers, set for a wide release on November 20.
Aster has been meeting with several actors for the other key role in the film, but he reportedly had only one person in mind for the part: Jacob Elordi. The director’s specific interest in Elordi suggests the actor is a perfect fit for whatever character Aster has written.
Plot Details Remain a Mystery
Like most of Aster’s projects, the specific details of Scapegoat are being kept under tight wraps. However, several theories have circulated among industry insiders about what the film might be about.
One popular rumor suggests the story follows a surgeon whose career faces serious trouble after a popular social media influencer dies during a routine operation. The influencer’s grieving widow and brother then start looking for answers, and the situation grows as public anger increases. If this description is accurate, Elordi would likely play the brother role.
Other descriptions have suggested the film could be a sci-fi romance or a more traditional drama. Insiders say there is no clear agreement on the movie’s plot or genre at this time. Aster is directing from a script he wrote himself.
Production Timeline and Release Window
If Elordi finalizes his deal, production on Scapegoat is expected to start in November 2026. The film will be shot later this year, according to multiple reports.
Cinematographer Darius Khondji, whose recent work includes Marty Supreme, will handle the camera work for the film. Aster and his partner Lars Knudsen will produce through their Square Peg banner. A24 will distribute the film, continuing their collaboration with Aster on all five of his feature films.
Based on the planned November production start, the thriller will likely hit theaters in 2027.
Jacob Elordi’s Recent Career Success
Elordi has had an exceptional run over the past year. He earned his first Oscar nomination for his role in Frankenstein, which required a demanding nine-month shoot. The actor followed that with Warner Bros.’ Wuthering Heights, where he co-starred alongside Margot Robbie.
He also returned for the final season of HBO’s Euphoria, which premiered in spring 2026. Elordi’s upcoming projects include Ridley Scott’s post-apocalyptic action thriller The Dog Stars, which arrives in theaters on August 28. The film also features Margaret Qualley and Josh Brolin.
After working continuously for several years, Elordi took a break following Frankenstein. He had multiple offers to choose from but decided to be selective about his next project. Scapegoat appears to be the project he has chosen as his return to work.
Ari Aster’s Track Record with A24
Scapegoat will be Ari Aster’s fifth feature film, and all five have been distributed by A24. Aster made his feature debut with Hereditary (2018), an instant horror classic that grossed around $90 million. He followed with Midsommar (2019), starring Florence Pugh.
His later films include the Joaquin Phoenix-led Beau Is Afraid (2023) and the COVID-era small-town thriller Eddington (2025). Aster has built a reputation for distinctive, ambitious storytelling that often explores dark themes and complex human emotions.
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What This Means for the Film
The pairing of Jacob Elordi and Scarlett Johansson brings together two Oscar-nominated actors at different stages of their careers. Johansson is a well-established Hollywood star with decades of experience, while Elordi represents a new generation of talent rising through the ranks.
Aster’s decision to cast Elordi opposite Johansson suggests the film will feature significant screen time between the two characters. The director’s insistence on Elordi for the role, despite meeting with other actors, indicates the part is crucial to the story.
With production set to begin in November and a likely 2027 release, audiences will have to wait to see what Aster has created. The director has consistently delivered films that generate strong reactions and lasting discussions. Given the mysterious plot and the talent involved, Scapegoat is already generating considerable interest among film fans.
As more casting announcements are expected in the coming weeks, the picture of what this film will look like will become clearer. For now, the combination of Aster’s vision, Johansson’s star power, and Elordi’s rising profile makes Scapegoat one of the most interesting projects in development.
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