In a recent interview with L'Officiel USA, Dakota Johnson expressed her honest and unfiltered views about the filmmaking industry. She openly shared, 'I am discovering that it’s really f—ing bleak in this industry. It is majorly disheartening.' While Johnson didn't hold back in acknowledging the challenges, she also offered a glimmer of hope, suggesting that smaller movies might be the saving grace for the industry.
During an exclusive sit-down with Collider, where she discussed her upcoming role in 'Madame Web,' Johnson highlighted the creative freedom that comes with working on smaller projects. She mentioned films like 'Poor Things' and 'Past Lives,' emphasizing that without the pressure of answering to studio executives, artists have a greater opportunity for creative license and agency. Johnson cited her own experience in the indie film 'Daddio' as a particularly important one in this regard. However, she acknowledged that the battle for artists to make the work they want remains a challenging one.
Although Dakota Johnson rose to fame through her role in the 'Fifty Shades of Grey' franchise, her diverse portfolio demonstrates her acting prowess beyond those films. From her performances in 'The Social Network,' 'Ben and Kate,' 'The Five-Year Engagement,' to 'Suspiria,' Johnson has proven herself to be a valuable asset to the industry, irrespective of the size of her roles.
Despite openly expressing her reservations about the filmmaking industry, Johnson maintained her excitement about joining Marvel for her role in 'Madame Web.' She discussed her enthusiasm for the film's approach to action sequences, describing it as more grounded and scrappy than the typical superhero movie. The opportunity to engage in stunt driving and work with blue screens also brought her joy, as it allowed her imagination to run wild during the production.
During her appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Johnson remained tight-lipped about whether 'Madame Web' is a part of Sony's live-action Spider-Verse. Her denial echoed Andrew Garfield's denial of his involvement in 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' before eventually reprising his role. While it seems highly probable that 'Madame Web' is connected to the Spider-Verse, Johnson stuck to her claim that it exists in a standalone universe.
As we anticipate the release of 'Madame Web' on Valentine's Day, it's clear that Dakota Johnson brings her undeniable talent and enthusiasm to the project. While she acknowledges the challenges of the industry, her commitment to her craft and willingness to explore diverse roles make her a valuable and resilient presence in Hollywood.
