Dakota Johnson likely to make her directorial debut

Dakota Johnson opens up about her plans to direct, produce female-centric stories, and explore bold acting roles.

Dakota Johnson shared her future plans in filmmaking and acting during a press roundtable at the 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) in the Czech Republic.

The actress, who is well known for her roles in Fifty Shades of Grey and The Lost Daughter, revealed her aspiration to direct her first feature film. “I think I will direct a very small one, hopefully soon,” Johnson said. She added that the project would be particularly special to her as it’s close to her production company, TeaTime Pictures.

The feature will be based on a script written by Vanessa Burghardt, an autistic actress who starred alongside Johnson in Cha Cha Real Smooth. Johnson expressed her desire to direct the film because of her strong bond with Burghardt. “I feel very protective of her,” Johnson shared. “I just won’t let anybody else do it.”

In addition to her directing aspirations, Johnson discussed the focus of TeaTime Pictures, which aims to tell female-centric stories that break away from traditional norms. She emphasized that her productions are often provocative, not in a sexual sense but through emotional depth and complexity. Johnson enjoys creating stories with nuanced female characters, including anti-heroes and complex women who challenge conventional expectations. “I want to create films with female characters who are real, angry, and perhaps even do things that are deemed atrocious, but the audience is still on their side,” she said.

Johnson also touched on her desire to avoid toxic sets. “With producing, that’s one of the perks,” she stated. “I can surround myself with positive people who create a healthy work environment.”

The actress also shared her evolving perspective on movie success, mentioning how box office numbers aren’t the sole measure anymore. For her, success is about emotional impact and connecting with audiences, rather than just financial outcomes. "The way I measure success is through people who felt something or it meant something to them," Johnson explained.

Looking ahead, Johnson expressed her excitement for challenging roles, mentioning a desire to play a psychopath or take on an action role in the future. Johnson also reflected on her film career, which began at age 10 in Crazy in Alabama and has spanned several notable films, including The Social Network (2010), Persuasion (2022), and her upcoming film Verity with Anne Hathaway and Josh Hartnett.

At the festival, Johnson was honored with the KVIFF President’s Award before a screening of Materialists, directed by Celine Song, where she stars alongside Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans.

Johnson’s multifaceted approach to her career, from producing and directing to acting, underscores her ambition to shape her own path in Hollywood.