Dakota Johnson to Make Directorial Debut, Reunites with “Cha Cha Real Smooth” Co-Star for Powerful New Film
Dakota Johnson is stepping behind the camera for her directorial debut with a film that holds deep personal significance. At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, she announced plans to direct a movie written by Vanessa Burghardt, who portrayed Johnson’s daughter in the 2022 film “Cha Cha Real Smooth”. Burghardt, an autistic actress and musician, has crafted a script centered on a young woman with autism—a story Johnson feels compelled to tell authentically.
Dakota Johnson on Upcoming Film
During a conversation at Kering’s Women in Motion event, Johnson shared her connection to the project: “The girl that plays my daughter [in Cha Cha Real Smooth], Vanessa Burghardt, she is an autistic actress and musician and brilliant person, and we have been working with her on developing a script,” Johnson said, as reported by Deadline.
She continued, emphasizing the personal nature of the story: “She’s written a script, and it’s really special, and it’s about a young woman with autism.” Reflecting on her role as director, Johnson expressed a protective sentiment towards Burghardt’s narrative:
“I feel very protective of her and her story in her mind, she’s just an unbelievable woman. I just don’t think I could allow anyone else to … we’ll see.” This film marks Johnson’s feature directorial debut and aligns with her broader goals through her production company, TeaTime Pictures. She founded the company to create more meaningful and collaborative projects, seeking greater creative control in her work.
Johnson’s commitment to authentic storytelling is evident in her collaboration with Burghardt. Burghardt’s involvement ensures that the portrayal of autism is handled with accuracy and respect, moving beyond stereotypes often seen in media. Their partnership aims to provide a genuine representation of autistic experiences, particularly focusing on the nuances of neurodiverse individuals. As Johnson embarks on this new chapter, her directorial debut promises to contribute to a more inclusive and authentic cinematic landscape. With a focus on underrepresented voices and stories, she is poised to make a significant impact both in front of and behind the camera.
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