Dakota Johnson reveals failed audition over handshake incident

Dakota Johnson has revealed she once lost a major audition after being criticized for simply introducing herself and shaking hands with the creative team.

The actor shared the experience during a recent interview while promoting her film Splitsville.

According to Johnson, the incident occurred during a callback audition. Attempting to be polite, she greeted everyone in the room before performing her scene. However, the feedback she later received labeled her behavior as “pompous,” “cocky,” and an attempt at “schmoozing.”

Johnson said she was surprised by the reaction, explaining that her actions were rooted in basic manners rather than self-promotion. The experience highlights the often unpredictable and subjective nature of casting decisions in the film industry.

The actor is currently promoting Splitsville, a dark comedy directed by Michael Angelo Covino. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival before its wider release. Johnson not only stars in the project but also produced it through her company, TeaTime Pictures.

In previous interviews, Johnson has spoken about her motivation to launch her own production banner, citing a desire for greater creative control and collaboration. She noted that her experiences as an actor sometimes left her disconnected from the final product, particularly when films turned out differently than expected.

Splitsville follows the complicated dynamics between two couples navigating relationships and boundaries, with a cast that includes Adria Arjona and co-writer Kyle Marvin.

The film is currently available in U.K. cinemas and streaming in the United States, marking another step in Johnson’s expanding career both in front of and behind the camera.