Dakota Johnson offered revealing details about her experience and mindset on filming sex scenes, providing candid insights into her process. Speaking about her comfort in these moments, Johnson emphasized that she relies on an understanding of each character to shape how she approaches intimate scenes, drawing on her background for guidance.
During her June 10 appearance on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast, Dakota Johnson joked,
I’m, like, always psyched up for sex.
—Dakota Johnson, Actor. She detailed how she incorporates character analysis when preparing for such scenes, considering the character’s relationship with the audience and personal traits. Johnson explained,
First, it depends on who the character is and who the character’s supposed to be to the audience,
—Dakota Johnson, Actor. She explored aspects like whether the character is “a super idolized hot girl,” “a housewife,” “lonely,” “scared,” or “conservative,” stating,
So that’s obviously character work.
—Dakota Johnson, Actor.
Johnson credited her mother, Melanie Griffith, for fostering an environment in which she felt proud of and comfortable with her body.
My mom raised me to be really proud of my body and love my body,
—Dakota Johnson, Actor. She reflected on the impact of these early conversations, emphasizing,
I’ve always felt so grateful for that, especially in my work because I can use it and it feels real. It was the way she spoke about it with me. She talked to me about sex and how precious and important it is.
—Dakota Johnson, Actor.
Addressing recent changes in the film industry, Johnson described her experience with an intimacy coordinator for the first time only a few months prior, after years of filming without such a professional present. Notably, the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, where she portrayed Anastasia Steele, did not have an intimacy coordinator. She recalled that the behind-the-scenes efforts, especially on the first film directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, were challenging:
I think the movie is as good a version as it could be. But it was challenging. I signed on to a script that was different than what we ended up shooting.
—Dakota Johnson, Actor.
Johnson described having to adjust to evolving expectations and creative shifts.
You’re attached, you signed a contract, signed on to do it with a different actor—and then it all changed,
—Dakota Johnson, Actor. She also touched on the challenges of beginning such a prominent project at a young age, sharing,
I was so young, I think I turned 24 when we were shooting. But I’m proud of myself for being brave.
—Dakota Johnson, Actor.
Public Moments of Honesty: Addressing Ellen DeGeneres
Dakota Johnson’s directness is not limited to her film roles. In a notable on-air exchange, she corrected comedian Ellen DeGeneres about an invitation to her 30th birthday. When DeGeneres joked about not being invited, Johnson responded,
Actually, no—that’s not the truth, Ellen.
—Dakota Johnson, Actor. She further clarified,
I didn’t even know you liked me,
—Dakota Johnson, Actor, and concluded,
I did invite you, but you didn’t come.
—Dakota Johnson, Actor. This moment became widely recognized for its candidness and quickly gained viral traction online.
Years later, Johnson acknowledged the enduring impact of this viral moment, telling L’Officiel that “it will haunt me.”
Open Reflections on the Fifty Shades Franchise
Johnson has openly discussed the difficult creative process behind the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy and her experiences with author E.L. James. She stated,
had a lot of creative control
—Dakota Johnson, Actor, and often insisted that specific details from the books be included in the films. Johnson elaborated,
There were parts of the books that just wouldn’t work in a movie, like the inner monologue, which was at times incredibly cheesy,
—Dakota Johnson, Actor, describing a work environment that was frequently challenging:
It was like mayhem all the time.
—Dakota Johnson, Actor.
She remarked that most people involved in the project would have hesitated if they had known the reality of the creative process, as she said they
had known at the time that’s what it was going to be like.
—Dakota Johnson, Actor. Johnson added,
It would’ve been like, ‘Oh, this is psychotic.’
—Dakota Johnson, Actor. Author E.L. James has not addressed Johnson’s comments publicly.
Viral Moments and Personal Anecdotes
In her 2020 house tour with Architectural Digest, Dakota Johnson commented on a display of limes, saying,
I love limes. I love them so much. They’re great, and I like to present them like this in my house.
—Dakota Johnson, Actor. However, she later revealed during a 2021 appearance on The Tonight Show that the limes were decorative, and she is actually allergic.
Johnson’s exposure to internet culture expanded with the release of the Madame Web trailer in November 2023, where her line—
He was in the Amazon with my mom when she was researching spiders right before she died.
—Dakota Johnson, Actor—sparked widespread memes. When asked about its viral status in an interview, she admitted confusion, saying,
I have no idea what that’s about.
—Dakota Johnson, Actor, and remarked,
That seems like a basic storyline to me.
—Dakota Johnson, Actor.
Addressing Familial Legacy and Industry Debate
As the daughter of Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson, Dakota Johnson has faced public scrutiny due to the ongoing “nepo baby” conversation within Hollywood. Sharing her honest view on the topic, she stated in a February 2024 interview with Today,
When that first started, I found it to be incredibly annoying and boring.
—Dakota Johnson, Actor.
Personal Habits and Relatable Confessions
In a conversation with Andrew Garfield, Johnson recalled unconventional moments at Hollywood parties, admitting,
At those parties, I’d probably get a little drunk and then just take them out,
—Dakota Johnson, Actor, referring to her hair extensions. She added that she would sometimes dispose of them by putting them in men’s jacket pockets, saying,
and put them in men’s jacket pockets because they’re so annoying and I’d just find a place to put them.
—Dakota Johnson, Actor.
Sleep is a clear priority for Johnson. She shared with WSJ. Magazine in December 2023 that it is
my number one priority in life.
—Dakota Johnson, Actor. She also commented on her sleep habits, noting,
I’m not functional if I get less than 10,
—Dakota Johnson, Actor, and,
I can easily go 14 hours.
—Dakota Johnson, Actor.
Lighthearted Self-Awareness: Tricks and Talents
Johnson’s humor and openness are evident in her willingness to poke fun at herself. In a 2017 video titled
“How much stuff can Dakota Johnson fit in her gap teeth?”
, she demonstrated her ability to fit a range of objects between her teeth, including a toothpick, a credit card, and cash. She quipped, “That’s my only skill,” before jokingly addressing her father in the clip.
A Lasting Influence in Film and Pop Culture
Dakota Johnson’s candid approach and transparency, both in her professional life and public appearances, have solidified her place in contemporary film culture and online communities. By openly discussing complex aspects like working with intimacy coordinators, navigating creative challenges with authors such as E.L. James, and addressing stereotypes about privilege in Hollywood, Johnson offers meaningful insights that resonate widely. Her distinct combination of self-awareness, humor, and authenticity continues to engage audiences and foster important conversations about character work, creative agency, and celebrity life.
