At the Red Sea Film Festival, Dakota Johnson opened up about her love-hate relationship with the film industry, describing the behind-the-scenes world of producing as 'really ugly' due to shady financiers. The actor and producer, who founded Tea Time Pictures in 2019, shared insights from her career experiences and upcoming projects. She emphasized her gratitude for the opportunities while highlighting the emotional toll of the business.
Festival Conversation Highlights
During an in-depth discussion at the Red Sea Film Festival on December 5, 2025, Dakota Johnson reflected on her evolving role in Hollywood. Speaking about her production company, Tea Time Pictures, she revealed the harsh realities she's encountered. "I’m in a love-hate relationship with my job in all aspects," Johnson said. "It’s exhausting. Producing, you see behind the curtain and it’s really ugly. I don’t like it. Also realizing that financiers are really shady sometimes is heartbreaking."
Johnson, known for roles in films like the "Fifty Shades of Grey" series, has transitioned into producing to gain more control over her projects. She described an internal battle in the industry, noting past decisions she now regrets. "I’ve definitely been persuaded to do things in the past that I realize in retrospect weren’t right for me," she admitted. Currently starring in "Materialists" and "Splitsville," Johnson is focused on personal growth as an actress.
Collaborations and Future Projects
The actor praised her long-time collaborator Luca Guadagnino, with whom she worked on "Suspiria" and "A Bigger Splash." "I’ll work with Luca forever," she said, crediting him for helping her explore deeper emotional depths early in her career. Recalling her casting in "A Bigger Splash" at age 24, Johnson shared how co-stars Tilda Swinton and Ralph Fiennes helped ease her fears, marking a turning point after "Fifty Shades."
Looking ahead, Johnson is preparing her directorial debut, "A Tree Is Blue," featuring Charli XCX, Jessica Alba, and Vanessa Burghardt. Through Tea Time Pictures, she seeks to champion "female-driven, human experience projects" that involve bold filmmakers and honest storytelling. "I want to make movies about women and people who are going through some sort of evolution," she explained, aiming to push creative boundaries in entertainment.