Scarlett Johansson joins Jon Favreau’s Chef; cease and desist sent due to competing Bradley Cooper pic

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Scarlett Johansson is the latest addition to Jon Favreau's ensemble comedy CHEF. The actress joins the already cast Favreau, Robert Downey Jr., Sofia Vergara, John Leguizamo, and Bobby Cannavale, playing "a woman named Molly, a restaurant manager and love interest of Favreau’s character." Favreau, who worked with Johansson on IRON MAN 2, is happy to have her on board, saying:

"Scarlett is a tremendous talent and I'm honored to be collaborating with her again. I'm so fortunate to be working with such a fine ensemble."

Well, I guess if you were casting your own comedy in which you're the star, who better to cast as your love interest than Johansson? It's almost like cheating.

It's not all sunshine and happiness, though, as Bradley Cooper has just committed to star in the long-gestating project of the same name, which causes a title issue. Both stories involve chef's who fall from grace and struggle to get back on top and it's being reported that Sony has sent a cease and desist letter to Favreau's production for a title change. I doubt this one will get ugly, but you never know. It's likely Favreau's project will be retitled, as I think they're more about the product than the name, whereas Cooper's film, which is to be directed by John Wells (AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY) has been touting the title for years.

Here's a synopsis for Favreau's CHEF:

Carl Casper (Favreau) loses his chef job and cooks up a food truck business in hopes of reestablishing his artistic promise. At the same time, he tries to reconnect with his estranged family.

Favreau's CHEF is expected to start shooting in July, while Cooper's project is still rounding out its cast with no set start date. More as both of these develop.

Source: Deadline

About the Author

3646 Articles Published