Jacob Elordi in Talks to Co-Star with Scarlett Johansson in Ari Aster’s Upcoming Thriller “Scapegoat”

Industry sources report that Jacob Elordi is in negotiations to appear opposite Scarlett Johansson in Ari Aster’s next film, titled “Scapegoat.” Aster will both write and direct the picture, with A24 slated as the distributor. The director and producer Lars Knudsen will produce through their Square Peg banner. While the storyline remains undisclosed, insiders note that the project is being positioned as a thriller rather than a genre-specific entry.

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Elordi’s involvement follows a high-profile period that began with an Oscar nomination for his role in *Frankenstein*, which premiered last fall. He subsequently starred in Warner Bros.’s adaptation of *Wuthering Heights* alongside Margot Robbie and returned to the series *Euphoria* earlier this spring. He is also attached to Ridley Scott’s action thriller *The Dog Stars*, featuring Margaret Qualley and Josh Brolin.

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According to insiders, Aster selected Johansson for the lead role early in the project’s development and has considered only Elordi for the male lead. Negotiations with Elordi’s representatives began last week. If an agreement is reached, the production is slated to commence later this year.

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Because the script is being kept confidential, industry observers have offered several theories about the film’s premise. Some suggest it may follow a doctor who operates on an internet-famous individual; others propose a sci-fi romance, while a third view frames it as a more traditional drama in line with Aster’s earlier work. No consensus has emerged among the sources.

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Elordi is represented by a consortium of agencies—including Gersh and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson, and Christopher. Participation in an Aster-A24 collaboration is viewed as a strategic move that could broaden his portfolio beyond the dramatic roles that have defined his recent career.

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