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Colin Jost just revealed how Scarlett Johansson reacted to learning he bought a ferry. On the May 4 SmartLess podcast, the SNL veteran shared his wife’s priceless one-word response. Her reaction perfectly captures what many spouses would say about such a wild investment.
🔥 Quick Facts
- The Purchase: Jost and Pete Davidson bought the decommissioned John F. Kennedy ferry for $280,100 in 2023
- Vessel Specs: The 277-foot ferry once carried over 3,000 daily passengers between Staten Island and Manhattan
- Johansson’s Response: When texted “We own a ferry now,” she replied with a single word that said it all: “We?”
- Future Plans: The pair aim to transform the ferry into a traveling event space and potential waterfront club
Scarlett’s Perfect Two-Letter Reaction
Jost revealed on the SmartLess podcast that he casually texted his wife about their newest asset. He said, “I texted Scarlett, like, ‘Guess what? We own a ferry now,'” The response was immediate and hilarious.
Johansson’s answer was simply “We?” capturing her shock and skepticism in one perfectly delivered word. The exchange shows the classic dynamic between the SNL star and his Oscar-winning wife, who has been endlessly patient with his unconventional business decisions.
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How the Wild Purchase Actually Happened
Jost explained the impulse behind buying a decommissioned ferry. The 277-foot vessel held sentimental value because it was the exact ferry he took to Regis High School on the Upper East Side during his Staten Island childhood.
When the ferry went up for auction, Jost made a fateful text to Pete Davidson, his Saturday Night Live pal. Davidson enthusiastically responded, “F—yeah, we’ve got to do this.” They won the auction immediately. Before telling Johansson, Jost texted his father, a Staten Island teacher, who asked him, “Did you do your homework?” Classic parental response to an impulsive decision.
The Ferry Project Details and Timeline
| Detail | Information |
| Vessel Name | John F. Kennedy Ferry |
| Purchase Price | $280,100 |
| Purchase Year | 2023 |
| Vessel Length | 277 feet |
| Square Footage | 70,000 sq ft |
| Commissioners | 1965 |
Jost’s Ambitious Vision for the Vessel
Jost defended the purchase as a real estate play, not just a money pit. On the SmartLess episode, he outlined two visions for the ferry’s future. First, they could position it as a waterfront venue for parties and events.
His more ambitious plan draws inspiration from childhood memories. Jost imagined recreating the atmosphere of Great Hills Swim Club, where middle-class families gathered. He envisions a pool on deck and seasonal rotations to Miami during winter months. Jost emphasized this would be “not a weird fancy members club” but accessible to ordinary people.
“It’s going to be fine,” Jost reassured his interviewers with humor, as one co-host joked, “Is this a good financial sign where you’re like, ‘It’s fine!'”
Does Johansson Actually Think This Investment Makes Sense?
Previous public appearances suggest Scarlett Johansson maintains her skepticism about the entire ferry venture. The Black Widow actress has humorously roasted the purchase during multiple talk show appearances over the years.
Yet her one-word text response, “We?” might be the most telling reaction of all. It perfectly encapsulates spousal humor mixed with genuine confusion about how she became co-owner of a decommissioned 277-foot vessel. Whether she’s on board with Jost’s vision remains to be seen.
Sources
- Entertainment Weekly – Colin Jost’s May 4 SmartLess podcast appearance covering Scarlett Johansson’s reaction
- SiriusXM – Detailed SmartLess podcast episode with ferry renovation plans and financial updates
- NBC News – Original 2022 reporting on the $280,100 ferry purchase by Pete Davidson and Colin Jost
