Actress Jokes About Her Film’s Unusual Role in Wildlife Protection: “Glad We Could Be Useful!”

An Unexpected Use for a Powerful Film

September 25, 2025: Scarlett Johansson has shared her amusement after learning that her 2019 film Marriage Story is being used in an unexpected way—to scare away wolves in rural parts of Europe. Reports recently surfaced that wildlife officials have been playing clips of the film’s intense argument scenes to deter wolves from approaching populated areas, using the loud, emotional dialogue to create a human presence that frightens the animals.

Johansson’s Playful Response

When asked about the surprising revelation during a recent interview, Johansson laughed and said, “Glad we could be useful!” The actress, who earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance opposite Adam Driver, joked that the film’s famously heated arguments were “apparently more frightening than we ever imagined.”

From Awards Season to Wildlife Management

Marriage Story, directed by Noah Baumbach, was celebrated for its raw portrayal of a couple’s painful divorce and earned multiple Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. Its emotionally charged scenes, particularly the climactic confrontation between Johansson and Driver, have now taken on a completely new purpose—helping wildlife officials keep wolves at a safe distance from farms and villages.

Fans React With Humor

Fans on social media quickly embraced the unusual news, sharing memes and jokes about the film’s unexpected second life. Many praised the creativity of wildlife workers, while others quipped that Adam Driver’s booming voice alone could send a pack of wolves running.

A Film With Lasting Impact

Though Marriage Story was initially intended as a poignant exploration of love and heartbreak, its legacy now extends beyond cinema. Johansson’s lighthearted response shows she’s happy to see the movie “protecting lives in more ways than one,” proving that great art can have surprising—and practical—real-world applications.