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Jason Bateman Exits Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans Film Project Artemis

June 8, 2022

Jason Bateman has exited his role as director in the upcoming Apple film Project Artemis, according to a recent report from Deadline.

Bateman — who was initially set to direct the film as well as produce it through Aggregate Films — has reportedly left the film due to creative differences. Deadline notes that the decision was amicable and mutual, with both sides reportedly respecting each other’s work.

However, the project, which is set to star Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson, will now need to search for a new director, with the report mentioning that Bateman and Johansson’s These Pictures production house will continue to look for a possible collaboration down the road.

Project Artemis is written by Rose Gilroy, and will reportedly be set against the space race. Further details about its plot and characters are still being kept under wraps. The acquisition deal reportedly cost Apple more than $100 million. The project will be produced by Bateman through his Aggregate Films along with Johansson, Jonathan Lia, and Keenan Flynn through their These Pictures banner.

Apple’s romantic action-adventure film Ghosted was initially set to be Evans and Johansson’s reunion. However, due to scheduling conflicts, Johansson had to exit the film and was replaced by Ana de Armas, who is currently filming Ghosted with Evans.

Project Artemis marks Evans and Johansson’s latest collaboration with Apple. The Captain America star previously starred in the streamer’s limited drama Defending Jacob, while the Black Widow star is also currently working with Apple and A24 on the sci-fi drama film Bride.

Before leading six Marvel Cinematic Universe films, Evans and Johansson first starred in two comedies: 2004’s teen-heist pic The Perfect Score, which saw the blockbuster duo as high school students trying to steal the answers to their SAT exams, and 2007’s babysitting dramedy The Nanny Diaries.