The Inside Story of Samantha Morton's Role in 'Her' and Being Replaced by Scarlett Johansson
Samantha Morton originally voiced the artificial intelligence Samantha in the movie Her, but Scarlett Johansson replaced her in the final cut. Morton expressed her disappointment at being replaced during an interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast. Her character in the film develops a relationship with a lonely man played by Joaquin Phoenix. Morton mentioned that as an actor, you are never guaranteed to be in the final cut of a film unless you are a lead character.
Morton worked closely with Spike Jonze and Joaquin Phoenix to develop her character, even going as far as being isolated in a padded phone booth on set to deliver her lines without seeing her co-star. She admitted feeling hurt and surprised by the decision to replace her but cherished the time spent working with the cast and crew. Morton noted that her version of Samantha was different from Johansson's portrayal, emphasizing that her character had an English accent.
Despite her disappointment, Morton praised Scarlett Johansson's talent and acknowledged that she understood the director's decision. She expressed a desire for another chance to record her lines with an American accent but ultimately respected the casting choice. Morton is currently starring as Circe in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, showcasing her exceptional acting skills.
In conclusion, Samantha Morton's experience with being replaced in Her was a challenging moment in her career, but she remains appreciative of the opportunity to work on the film and collaborate with talented individuals in the industry.