One and Done? Why Dakota Johnson Might Not Return to the Superhero Genre

The recent release of “Madame Web” brought Dakota Johnson to the superhero realm, portraying the enigmatic clairvoyant Cassandra Webb. While the film itself has garnered mixed reviews, Johnson’s performance has been praised for its grounded portrayal of a woman grappling with extraordinary abilities. However, comments from the actress herself hint at a potentially short-lived superhero career. In this article, we’ll look at the variables that could affect Dakota Johnson‘s choice and uncover why she might not return to the superhero world.

While she might possess a different level of insight than Madame Web’s lead character, Dakota Johnson does not see herself making any more highly publicized comic book films in the future. 

Working on the superhero movie was “definitely an experience,” the actress acknowledged in a recent interview, but it’s not something she wants to relive. Johnson said, “I had never done anything like it before.” “I don’t make sense in that universe. Therefore, I probably won’t do anything similar again. And now I am conscious of that. But occasionally in our industry, you sign on to something, and it’s one thing, and then while you’re working on it, it turns out to be something entirely different, and you’re like, ‘What the heck?’

Johnson stated that she’s “not surprised that this has gone down the way it has,” stating, “Obviously it’s not pleasant to be a part of something that’s torn to pieces, but I can’t say that I don’t understand.”

Genre Disconnect:

Superhero films are a juggernaut in the movie industry, known for their bombastic action sequences, fantastical worlds, and larger-than-life characters. On the other hand, Johnson has carved a niche for herself in character-driven dramas and independent films. Her roles often showcase vulnerability, emotional complexity, and a focus on human relationships – elements that might not always translate seamlessly into the often effects-heavy world of superhero films.

“Madame Web” itself seems to acknowledge this potential disconnect. The film opted for a more grounded and suspenseful approach, focusing on Cassandra’s psychic awakening and the personal struggles that come with it. This might have appealed to Johnson’s sensibilities but also deviates from the typical superhero blockbuster formula.

Creative Control and Character Development:

Johnson has established herself as an actress who values artistic integrity and in-depth character exploration. She’s worked with acclaimed directors like David Fincher and Luca Guadagnino, known for focusing on nuanced storytelling and character development. 

The superhero genre, however, often prioritizes spectacle and plot twists over intricate character arcs.

“Madame Web” reportedly underwent significant script rewrites during production, leading Johnson to state that the final film was “unrecognizable” from the version she initially signed on for. This lack of creative control could majorly factor in her hesitation to return to the genre.

Johnson claims that part of the issue stems from Hollywood’s lack of faith in filmmakers to carry out their vision. “Getting movies made is so difficult,” she remarked. “And in these big-budget films that are produced—and this is starting to happen with the smaller ones, which frightens me—committees are making decisions, and art does not bloom to its fullest in controlled committee-made decisions. Algorithms and statistics are not the basis for art. She has long felt that CEOs have mistakenly begun to think that audiences are not intelligent. Audiences can never miss this nonsense. The desire for AI-produced movies will never be appreciated among humans, even if they do happen to exist.

A Different Sort of Hero: 

While Johnson expresses concern about the superhero genre, her remarks don’t necessarily imply that she is against action or fantasy in general. Perhaps all she’s doing is searching for other kinds of hero stories. Characters like Anastasia Steele in “Fifty Shades of Grey” and Rey in “Star Wars” show that director Ridley Armstrong is at ease with fantasy-infused movies, provided the characters are realistic and grounded. 

The superhero genre is changing as more varied storylines and character types are added. A role that balances action and character development appropriately could get Johnson back into the fold. A movie like “Black Widow,” which explores the protagonist’s psychological complexity, would be a better fit for

Pursuit of Character-Driven Projects:

Dakota Johnson frequently chooses character-driven roles that let her fully embrace nuanced roles. Superhero movies may occasionally place more emphasis on character development and emotional complexity than on glamour and action. Johnson might consider projects outside the superhero genre that give deeper storytelling options since she prefers personal, character-driven stories.

Conclusion:

Dakota Johnson’s potential departure from the superhero genre reflects her desire for career diversity, creative freedom, and a commitment to challenging, character-driven roles. While the genre offers undeniable benefits, including exposure and financial rewards, Johnson’s priorities may lie elsewhere. Ultimately, her decision will shape her career trajectory and showcase her dedication to exploring diverse roles and genres in Hollywood’s ever-evolving landscape.

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