VIDEO: Scarlett Johansson’s Son Clashes With His Imaginary Hitler in New ‘Jojo Rabbit’ Trailer
Taika Waititi’s World War II-era comedy opens Oct. 18
September 5, 2019A German boy palling around with an idiotic, imaginary Adolf Hitler discovers his mother has been harboring a Jewish girl in their attic in the new trailer for “Jojo Rabbit,” opening in October.
The genre-bending film follows Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis), a lonely boy who doesn’t understand much about Nazi politics but seems eager to join the club if only to finally make some friends. When life gets him down he turns to his best buddy and only confidant, Hitler (Taika Waititi), who is always there to cheer him up with a silly joke.
The new clip shows Jojo’s single mother (Scarlett Johansson) is focused on adult problems of the day, like the onset of World War II, but she’s also worried about the wellbeing of her kid. “You’re growing up too fast. 10-year-olds shouldn’t be celebrating war and talking politics,” the 2017 Stern Show guest tells him (above).
Jojo eventually discovers his mom is hiding a young Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie) in their attic, leaving him and the goofy incarnation of the ruthless German dictator at odds. When imaginary Hitler suggests burning down the house and blaming it on Winston Churchill, Jojo convinces him they should get to know the girl instead. “She doesn’t seem like a bad person,” Jojo tells him before Hitler kicks a chair.
Written and directed by Waititi (“Thor: Ragnarok”), “Jojo Rabbit” is adapted from the 2008 novel “Caging Skies” by Christine Leunens. The film co-stars Rebel Wilson, Stephen Merchant, Alfie Allen, and Sam Rockwell.
“Jojo Rabbit” opens in theaters on Oct. 18.