Scarlett Johansson vs Blake Lively For Gravity Role

It’s the battle of superhero vixens for a role in Alfonso Cuaron’s upcoming film Gravity. According to THR, Scarlett Johansson and Blake Lively are both up for the lead in the film but only one of them can walk away with the part (dun, dun, dun!). They’re duking it out for a chance to star opposite Robert Downey Jr. who’s currently attached. The project was previously set up as a vehicle for Angelina Jolie but when she opted out, the director began his search for another actress to fill her shoes.

The plot for Gravity centers around astronauts repairing the Hubble telescope who are hit with an avalanche of satellite junk. In a plot akin to Cast Away, the surviving astronaut must fight her way back to Earth, where she hopes to reunite with her daughter. Not to sound negative, but who would buy Johansson or Lively in this role? I’m sure there are women their age who have kids and are astronauts but this character seems to be over their heads.

This is probably why there’s uncertainty regarding the mother aspect in the latest draft of the film. When Jolie was on board it was a major part of the story, but now that the frontrunners have changed they’re not sure if it’s going to stick. I’ve seen Johansson’s work and she’s nothing out of the ordinary, and I don’t watch “Gossip Girl” so Lively’s range is a complete mystery to me. But apparently, she has something to bring to the table if all of these directors want to hire her.

What do you think of Johansson and Lively being frontrunners for Gravity? Who would you pick?