UPDATE: I’ve been given a more detailed description of the plot, which provides more context and clarifies several details.
After a popular social media influencer dies during a routine operation, the surgeon (Johansson) who performed the procedure finds her career and reputation under siege. As public outrage mounts, he becomes the target of relentless scrutiny led by the influencer’s grieving wife and fiercely protective brother, whose pursuit of answers turns increasingly adversarial.
Grieving widow. Social media influencer. Public outrage. Yeah, this sounds like the spiritual sequel to “Eddington” that Aster was talking about last year. He wants to continue making movies about the toxicity of current society. That’s what fascinates him at the moment.
EARLIER: There’s an air of mystery surrounding Ari Aster’s “Scapegoat,” which stars Scarlett Johansson, with two more key roles left to be cast. Will Aster stick to the political themes of “Eddington”? It sure sounds like it.
Sources tell Nexus Point News that “Scapegoat” will center on a surgeon, played by Johansson. Her character is tasked with operating on a “Jake Paul–inspired character,” who dies during the procedure. The film follows the fallout from his death and the scrutiny the surgeon faces, primarily from the two main antagonists: the character’s wife and brother. The wife is inspired by Erika Kirk, and the brother is inspired by Logan Paul.
Okay. I’m sure there’s much more to the story than that. I always expect something provocative from Aster, and, purely based on the real-life inspirations for these characters, I presume this will be another politically charged film from Aster.
Darius Khondji will be back as DP — his last credit was cinematography on “Marty Supreme.” So, we might be seeing this A24-produced film in 2027. Great news for Aster-heads, and somehow, Johansson managed to sneak this one into her increasingly busy schedule.
More casting is expected to be announced in the coming weeks as the project continues to take shape. A24, which has partnered with Aster on all four of his feature films to date, is backing “Scapegoat.” The film is currently eyeing a November production start.
“Scapegoat” is set to be his fifth feature after “Hereditary,” “Midsommar,” “Beau Is Afraid,” and “Eddington” — all produced by A24. It’s hard not to root for him. In an era where so few filmmakers are allowed to play with real budgets and real ambition, Aster remains one of the few U.S. directors swinging for the fences.