Dakota Johnson Opens Up About the Criticism Surrounding 'Madame Web'

Dakota Johnson Will Likely Never Make Another Movie Like Madame Web

Dakota Johnson. Hector Vivas/Getty Images

After the chaos of Madame Web has calmed down, Dakota Johnson revealed that she wasn't shocked by how things turned out. The 34-year-old actress played a role in the superhero film, which received negative reviews from critics and failed to attract audiences after it was released on February 14th. She mentioned that she could sense things going wrong even before the reviews and box office numbers were revealed.

In a recent interview with Bustle on March 5, she shared how sometimes in the industry, what you sign up for can turn into something completely different as you work on it. It can be surprising and confusing, but she sees it as a valuable learning experience. Despite the disappointment of being involved in a project that receives negative feedback, she mentioned that she can empathize with the situation.

Moreover, Johnson mentioned that her role in Madame Web will serve as a valuable lesson that will influence her future career decisions.

"It was quite an experience for me to work on that movie," she shared. "I had never tried anything like it before. I doubt I will ever venture into that genre again because it just doesn't feel right for me. I have realized that now."

In the end, Johnson mentioned that she is "not shocked" by the way the Madame Web project has unfolded and been received. She also voiced her worries about the potential impact it could have on the industry as a whole.

Dakota Johnson Will Likely Never Make Another Movie Like Madame Web

Sony Pictures Entertainment/YouTube

Creating movies can be a challenging process, especially with the trend of decision-making by committees in both big and small productions. This shift concerns Johnson as art thrives best when driven by filmmakers and their artistic teams, not by numbers or algorithms.

Johnson also commended moviegoers for their ability to recognize and appreciate films like Madame Web for what they truly are.

I have always believed that audiences are very intelligent, while some executives think otherwise. Audiences can easily detect insincerity. Even if movies are made using AI in the future, people won't be interested in watching them.

Sydney Sweeney, another Madame Web star, also commented on the movie's poor performance. She talked about the film's box-office failure during her hosting stint on Saturday Night Live on March 2nd.

“I am so happy to be here,” Sweeney, 26, said during her opening monologue. “You might have seen me in Anyone But You or Euphoria. You definitely did not see me in Madame Web.”

Editor's P/S:

Dakota Johnson's candid reflections on her experience with "Madame Web" offer valuable insights into the challenges and complexities of the film industry. Her acknowledgment of the disconnect between initial expectations and the final product highlights the ever-present risk in creative endeavors. However, her resilience and determination to use the experience as a learning opportunity demonstrate the importance of embracing setbacks as opportunities for growth.

Johnson's concerns about the shift towards committee-based decision-making in filmmaking resonate deeply. While data and analytics can provide valuable information, they should not overshadow the artistic vision and passion of filmmakers. The best films are born from the harmonious interplay between creativity and business acumen, and it is crucial to preserve the balance that allows for both to thrive.