Dakota Johnson is gearing up to step into the director’s role for a feature film, a captivating journey she hinted at during the 2025 Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. Co-founded by Johnson, her production company TeaTime Pictures will team up with her “Cha Cha Real Smooth” co-star Vanessa Burghardt for this heartfelt project.
Having made her directorial debut with a music video for Coldplay in 2020 and then directing the short film “Loser Baby” in 2024, Johnson expressed her eagerness to take on a full-length film during a recent press roundtable at the festival. She emphasized that this project is of great personal significance, stating, “I think I will direct a feature, a very small one, hopefully soon.”
In her discussions, Johnson reflected on her previous hesitations about directing, citing a lack of confidence. However, the experience and bond she shares with Burghardt, an autistic actress who played her daughter in “Cha Cha Real Smooth,” have inspired her spirited transition into directing. “I’ve always felt that I’m not ready to direct a feature… But with [Burghardt], I feel very protective,” she said.
The narrative focus of the film will likely challenge conventional storytelling. Johnson highlighted a penchant for projects that are visually or emotionally intriguing, with a specific interest in female-centric stories that feature complex, nuanced characters. She mentioned previously discussing Burghardt’s script about a young woman with autism, reinforcing her protective stance for her co-star as both a talented actress and a unique voice in filmmaking.
This upcoming film promises to be a benchmark in Johnson’s career, showcasing her evolution into a director while underscoring her commitment to telling diverse and compelling stories. With productions like this, the representation of complex female characters in cinema continues to grow, a trend that is crucial for the industry today. This positive trajectory bodes well for viewers seeking fresh narratives that resonate with broader societal themes.