Scarlett Johansson Eyes Permanent Role on ‘Today With Jenna & Friends’

Scarlett Johansson may be ready to press pause on her glittering Hollywood career if NBC decides to make her a permanent co-host alongside Jenna Bush Hager on the Today Show. According to Daily Mail,even veteran host Hoda Kotb is said to have expressed her approval of the idea.
The 40-year-old actress made a memorable impression on network executives and viewers during her appearance on Today with Jenna & Friends on Tuesday, filling a slot vacated by Hoda’s emotional departure on January 10. Johansson joined the program during a week featuring guest co-hosts such as Taraji P. Henson, Eva Longoria, and Keke Palmer. However, fans overwhelmingly favored the Black Widow star, who managed to shine brightly next to Jenna, 43.
Johansson has fully embraced her guest-hosting duties. On the January 23 broadcast, she brought a playful energy to the show by crashing a segment in a plush bathrobe and house slippers, proving she’s just as comfortable on morning TV as she is on the silver screen.
The actress also shared her enthusiasm for the role, returning to the show on Wednesday in high spirits. Reflecting on her debut as a morning talk show host, Johansson declared she had “the best time” during her first day on-air, January 21. With her charm and charisma captivating audiences, fans are wondering: Is the search for Jenna Bush Hager’s new co-host already over? Johansson seems eager for the opportunity.
“I went to bed last night and I was like, buzzing,” she told Bush Hager. “I was so excited, I like prepared everything for today… I love this job!”
Jenna asked Scarlett if she was going to return to the show and Scarlett replied, “Yes, I absolutely have to come back – If you’ll have me?”
“Are you kidding? We started a GoFundMe so you could be here all the time!” Jenna said as the others agreed.
An insider has shared that NBC executives are eager to secure Scarlett Johansson as a permanent co-host once her guest-hosting stint concludes on January 24, with whispers of a $5 million-a-year deal on the table.
‘Scarlett absolutely knocked it out of the park and there was more positive feedback from viewers than there ever has been since the show launched,’ a source told DailyMail.com.
Everyone was worried that bringing this big A-list actress on would be taking a huge risk and that the audience would not respond well, but this was proven wrong big time.
“Scarlett was relatable, funny, witty, charming, and won over not only Jenna, but the crew and producers too.”
The source told Daily Mail that Scarlett may receive a $5 million a year offer.