Dakota Johnson, widely recognized for her roles in films like Fifty Shades of Grey and Black Mass, has revealed her intention to direct her inaugural feature film. This project is based on a script written by Vanessa Burghardt, an autistic actress who starred alongside Johnson in the film Cha Cha Real Smooth.

In her own words, Johnson expressed, "I’m aiming to direct a small feature soon, and it holds significant personal value for me. Vanessa is an extraordinary autistic talent, and I feel a strong connection to her work."

The actress admitted that she previously lacked the confidence to take on directing, stating, "I’ve always thought I wasn’t ready for this role. However, with Vanessa, I feel a sense of protectiveness and familiarity, which motivates me to take this step myself."

Johnson has already made her mark as a director with the Coldplay music video for 'Cry Cry Cry' and the short film Loser Baby. Through her production company, TeaTime Pictures, she aims to focus on female-driven narratives while steering clear of toxic work environments. She elaborated, "I’m drawn to projects that are visually or emotionally stimulating, not in a sexual context, but in a way that challenges the current norms seen on television and streaming services. Many of these stories feature complex female characters, often portrayed as nuanced anti-heroes that audiences can connect with."

She emphasized the importance of avoiding negative environments, stating, "I can no longer afford to spend time on toxic sets. One of the benefits of producing is that I can select my collaborators."

Johnson also noted that the criteria for evaluating project success is evolving. "The metrics for success are changing. It’s increasingly difficult to gauge success solely through box office figures, as they can be quite unpredictable," she remarked. Her upcoming project includes a role in the Amazon romance thriller Verity, directed by Michael Showalter, where she stars alongside Anne Hathaway and Josh Hartnett.