The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Episode: Scarlett Johansson | Gimme Jimmy
Date: September 23, 2025
Guest: Scarlett Johansson

Episode Overview

In this lively episode, Stephen Colbert is joined by actress and now director Scarlett Johansson, who discusses her directorial debut, Eleanor the Great. The episode kicks off with Stephen’s signature satirical take on political news—including Jimmy Kimmel’s return to air, late-night industry shake-ups, and recent government actions. The main attraction is Johansson’s thoughtful, often humorous interview where she reflects on her Hollywood journey, working with legends like Robert Redford, and the joys and challenges of directing. The episode is full of memorable moments, warmth, and industry insight.

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Monologue: Late-Night Turmoil & Jimmy Kimmel’s Return

[01:34–10:23]

• Stephen celebrates the news that Jimmy Kimmel Live is returning after a suspension, poking fun at network decisions and the ripple effect, including some international confusion:
  • “Disney put Kimmel back on because you, the American people, were upset. Okay, but not just people. Also Ted Cruz.” (03:38)
• Jokes about misdirected complaints flooding the Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC) instead of the American one.
• Satirizes political reactions, referencing Ted Cruz’s mafia-esque threats about pulling ABC’s license:
  • “That’s right out of Goodfellas. It’d be a shame if something happened to it.” (04:07)
• Touches on Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah) and apocalypse predictions with his trademark sarcasm.
• Discusses Trump’s recent controversial posts and legal allegations, focusing on corruption and bizarre social media behavior:
  • “Pam, I saw a picture of a guy walking down the street with his girlfriend. And that girl was named takeout. ... Lock them both up, Pam.” (08:06)
• Unpacks a bribery scandal involving Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, with deadpan delivery and a sense of incredulity.
• Covers the confusion around Trump’s new $100K H1-B visa fee, highlighting contradictory official responses and the panic it caused for tech companies.

2. Scarlett Johansson Interview: Hollywood, Directing, & 'Eleanor the Great'

[15:13–27:50]

Early Memories & Mentorship with Robert Redford

• Stephen and Scarlett reminisce about her first appearance on his show (her second!) and her child acting days.
• Reflects on working with Robert Redford on The Horse Whisperer at age 12:
  • Scarlett: “He was such a warm, kind, patient, generous, wonderful man. ... It really, you know, I had a ... complete understanding of, oh, this is actually a craft and something you get better at ... That was all because of Bob, Mr. Redford. Slash Bowie.” (16:50 – 17:57)

Directorial Debut: Inspiration & The Art of Directing

• Discusses her motivations for directing Eleanor the Great:
  • “Actually, it was when I was working with Bob... That job seems pretty interesting. I’d like to do that job someday.” (18:31–18:39)
• Shares that curiosity and openness are key qualities she seeks from directors:
  • “I think curiosity...Collaboration, ideas, following a scene when it goes a certain way. That’s unexpected discovery. Yeah, all of that stuff.” (19:14–20:00)
• Admits to being surprised by the loneliness of directing:
  • “I didn’t realize how it can be kind of a lonely job, weirdly, because you’re there, you know, first thing in the morning ... and you’re the last person to leave ... it weirdly feels like you’re kind of on an island.” (20:54–21:14)

Advice & Working with Directors

• Scarlett didn’t solicit specific advice but absorbed lessons from various directors she worked with—including actors-turned-directors like Jon Favreau.
• Shares Favreau’s wisdom on dealing with different actors' styles:
  • “He was like, I just ... become the person. I understand what the vocabulary is that the other person needs to, you know, get to where they're going.” (22:14–22:34)

About 'Eleanor the Great' and Working with June Squibb

• The film’s premise: a nuanced story about forgiveness, grief, love, and late-life friendship. The central character, a 94-year-old, finds connection in a Manhattan Holocaust survivor group and forms a pivotal friendship based on a lie:
  • “It’s about a lot of things. ... It’s about forgiveness, it’s about grief, it’s about love, it’s about friendship. ... And that is what the film is about.” (24:45–25:31)
• Shares warm praise for 95-year-old star June Squibb:
  • “She’s an incredible actor. So sinewy, so prepared. She would have a perfect take every setup... She was in the touring production of Gypsy with Ethel Merman. She’s been working for like 70—gosh, more, 80 years almost.” (26:59–27:47)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Stephen Colbert [04:07]:
  “That’s right out of Goodfellas. That’s right out of a Mafioso coming into a bar going, ‘Nice bar you have here. It’d be a shame if something happened to it.’”
• Scarlett Johansson [16:50]:
  “He was such a warm, kind, patient, generous, wonderful man ... It really, you know, I had a ... complete understanding of, oh, this is actually a craft and something you get better at and understand more the more you put into it. That was all because of Bob, Mr. Redford. Slash Bowie.”
• Scarlett Johansson [20:54]:
  “I didn’t realize how it can be kind of a lonely job, weirdly, because you’re there, you know, first thing in the morning ... and you’re the last person to leave ... it weirdly feels like you’re kind of on an island.”
• Scarlett Johansson [22:14]:
  (On Jon Favreau’s directing style) “I just ... become the person. I understand what the vocabulary is that the other person needs to, you know, get to where they're going.”
• Scarlett Johansson [26:59]:
  (On June Squibb) “Oh, my god, she’s the best ... so prepared. She would have a perfect take every setup ... She’s been working since she was 17 and ... with Ethel Merman. She’s been working for like 70—gosh, more, 80 years almost.”
• Stephen Colbert [27:50]:
  “We should all have such a career.”

Timestamps of Significant Segments

• 01:34 – 10:23: Monologue: Late-night TV, Jimmy Kimmel, political satire.
• 15:13 – 18:00: Scarlett Johansson on early career & Robert Redford mentorship.
• 18:00 – 20:54: Inspiration to direct, first steps behind the camera.
• 20:54 – 22:34: Challenges, surprises, and the solitude of directing.
• 22:34 – 24:43: Lessons from great directors and actor-director dynamics.
• 24:43 – 26:59: 'Eleanor the Great' storyline, working with June Squibb.

Episode Tone & Style

The episode flows with Colbert’s trademark blend of wit, empathy, and insightful questioning. Scarlett Johansson comes across as both grounded and thoughtful, sharing personal stories with openness and good humor. The conversation is rich in behind-the-scenes details, gentle self-mockery, and respect for the craft of filmmaking and acting.

Summary

This episode showcases the best of late-night podcasting: sharp topical monologue, a revealing and substantive celebrity interview, and memorable moments of sincerity and laughter. Scarlett Johansson’s journey from child actor to director is explored with depth and levity, making it a must-listen for fans of film, storytelling, and industry insight.