Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 17, 2025 · Entertainment

Scarlett Johansson Scares Us with Cloning Twist in Prada Ad — Horror Movie Fans Take Note!

Scarlett Johansson has teamed up with Prada for a cinematic new campaign that has been called 'contemporary surrealism'

Scarlett Johansson Reunites with Prada for Surreal Campaign, Teases Potential Horror Movie Debut

The 40-year-old actress has joined forces with the luxury brand once again, this time tackling a bold new project that's been dubbed "contemporary surrealism." Scarlett, who has a long history of working with Prada on high-profile campaigns, is featured in a short film called Ritual Identities, which she co-created with breakthrough director Yorgos Lanthimos. The eerie and thought-provoking short film delves into themes of identity, personas, and the fluidity of self.

In an exclusive interview with WWD, Scarlett dished on her experience working with Lanthimos, saying: "This Prada campaign really comes from Yorgos' unique mind and whatever magic is created between the two of us as artists." She praised the director's innovative approach, which she believes opened up new possibilities for their collaboration. "The performance — the collaboration — is opened up. This process of discovery is what makes any creative collaboration special," Scarlett gushed.

The 40-year-old actress worked with breakthrough director Yorgos Lanthimons for the first time on the new short film Ritual Identities

But what really caught fans' attention was the cloning theme that ran throughout the campaign. The eerie and unsettling tone had some speculating that it could be a sign that Scarlett is ready to take on a horror movie role soon. While we can't confirm those rumors just yet, one thing's for sure: this Prada campaign is sure to leave audiences talking.

Behind-the-Scenes with Yorgos Lanthimos and Scarlett Johansson

Ritual Identities may be a short film, but it's packed with themes that are both timely and thought-provoking. According to Prada, the new campaign aims to "shine a light on the Galleria's various forms and styles over the years" while also exploring the concept of identity. Scarlett echoed this sentiment, saying: "The idea for this Prada campaign is a play on identity, the identities that live within all of us, the different masks we wear, the different characters we play, the different people we are with other people, in different relationships."

Fans thought the weird cloning theme was spooky and a sign that Scarlett should do a horror movie soon

Scarlett's performance in Ritual Identities is just one example of her willingness to push boundaries and take risks in her acting career. Her dedication to exploring complex themes through her work is evident in every role she takes on, from Lost In Translation to The Outset beauty brand launch.

The Outset Beauty Brand Launch

Over the summer, Scarlett's own beauty brand, The Outset, launched a range of skin survival kits in collaboration with Jurassic World. As an ambassador for the brand, Scarlett shared her personal experience using the products during filming for the movie. "These were the products I relied on throughout filming to keep my skin hydrated and looking radiant no matter what," she revealed.

'This Prada campaign really comes from Yorgos' unique mind and whatever magic is created between the two of us as artists,' she told WWD

But behind-the-scenes footage showed just how grueling filming was – from hot jungle temperatures to open water shoots. Scarlett credited The Outset's consistency and her own dedication to skincare for keeping her skin looking healthy and glowing despite the harsh conditions.

A Fond Tribute to Robert Redford

Just days after the passing of legendary actor Robert Redford, a touching tribute to their collaboration on 1998's The Horse Whisperer has resurfaced. Scarlett worked with Redford when she was just 13 years old on the critically acclaimed film, which marked one of her earliest major roles.

'The performance ¿ the collaboration ¿ is opened up. This process of discovery is what makes any creative collaboration special,' added the actress

In an interview from that year, Scarlett reminisced about working with Redford, saying: "Working with him was amazing... I think it really helped that he was an actor, as well as a director, because we could communicate so well." She praised his unique ability to elicit winning performances from his actors, and how their collaboration on The Horse Whisperer became a defining moment in her career.

The actress also spoke fondly of Redford's skills behind the camera, calling him "so actor-focused" and patient. "He would take the time to familiarize me with where my character was at that moment... He created an intimate space in a big, overwhelming production," she recalled.

With Prada's Ritual Identities campaign, Scarlett Johansson is once again pushing boundaries and exploring new themes in her work. Whether it's acting on screen or taking on collaborations like this one, the 40-year-old actress continues to defy expectations and leave audiences in awe of her talent and dedication to the craft.

'Filmic shorts like this are a playful collaboration for actors and directors ¿ it gives us an opportunity to work together in a different manner,' she shared

Meanwhile, Prada suggested the new film shines a light on the Gelleria's various forms and styles over the years, as well as delving into 'the fluidity of the persona'

The Lost In Translation star added: 'The idea for this Prada campaign is a play on identity, the identities that live within all of us, the different masks we wear, the different characters we play, the different people we are with other people, in different relationships'

Johansson with husband Colin Jost at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on September 14