Scarlett Johansson joins 'Today' show as Jenna Bush Hager's guest co-host: 'A wild dream'

Move over Hoda Kotb, there's a new co-host in town.

Jenna Bush Hager, who has hosted the "Today" show's fourth-hour broadcast (aka "Hoda & Jenna") alongside Kotb since 2019, announced Tuesday that actress Scarlett Johansson will take a turn at the anchor desk, according to Hager's interview with People magazine.

Johansson, a staple of the Marvel-verse, will sit opposite Hager for a week starting Jan. 21. Part of a new approach in the wake of Kotb's exit, Johansson is just one in a carousel of celebrities who will guest-host the show.

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Taraji P. Henson, Eva Longoria and Keke Palmer are among the other A-listers set to join Hager, "Today" shared on Monday. Henson will appear on the show on Jan. 13 and Jan. 17, Longoria on Jan. 14 and Palmer on Jan. 15.

"It's just a wild dream," Hager told People of Johansson's appearance. "The fact that she's coming to give us a week of her time, she could be doing anything, is a testament to the show that we have built. So I am beyond thrilled. I cannot wait."

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"Today with Jenna & Friends" will premiere on Jan. 13. The show's revised format, which features Hager alongside a revolving cast of guest-hosts, serves as a placeholder until Hager's permanent co-host is named, per Today.com.

The rotating host format has gained popularity in recent years, as both late-night Jimmys (Fallon and Kimmel) have opted to use it when they are on extended leave. Similarly, "The Daily Show" has employed it since Trevor Noah's exit.

"What's so cool about it is that it really does feel like we're pulling up chairs for all different types of people," Hager said. "Yes, we have actors, but we also have comedians and people in media. And I think that really is what we're hoping to have: a total representation of who watches our show and something for every viewer."

On Tuesday's episode of "Today," Kotb basked in the excitement of Johansson's appearance. "First of all, you guys had a great click. She is an awesome person," the longtime NBC anchor said.

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Why is Hoda Kotb leaving 'Today' show?

Kotb's last day on the show will be Friday, bookending nearly three decades at the network and 18 years on the "Today" show. She has teased a new venture likely to be announced fully in the spring: a wellness company featuring podcasts and retreats.

Kotb announced her departure from the "Today" show in September 2024, describing the decision as the "hardest thing in the world." She said turning 60 was a "monumental" moment that made her think about the decade ahead.

"I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new," she said at the time, adding, "This is the right time for me to move on."

While she will be dearly missed by Hager, the former first daughter is excited to kick off something new. "I think we’re going to have a blast," she told Kotb on Tuesday.

Contributing: Brendan Morrow and Edward Segarra, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Scarlett Johansson joining 'Today' show as guest co-host