Dakota Johnson is shifting gears from in front of the camera to behind it, teaming up once again with Vanessa Burghardt, her co-star from the well-liked 2022 rom-com “Cha Cha Real Smooth.” But this time, neither of them is expected to appear on screen. Instead, Johnson will direct a new untitled movie, based on a script written by Burghardt about a young woman with autism.
A Surprising Turn for a Popular Duo
Fans of “Cha Cha Real Smooth” might remember the charming chemistry between Johnson and Vanessa Burghardt. The film earned a solid 85% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, blending heartfelt storytelling with relatable characters. The movie revolved around Johnson’s character forming an unlikely bond with a young man at parties, with Burghardt playing a key supporting role as her daughter.
Now, Dakota Johnson is taking a big leap — moving behind the camera for her feature directorial debut. The project, penned by Burghardt, focuses on a story close to their hearts. Johnson described Burghardt as an “unbelievable woman,” highlighting her unique perspective as an autistic actress and musician. Johnson emphasized her protective stance on the story, saying she doesn’t think anyone else could direct it justice.
At the Kering Women in Motion event during the Cannes Film Festival, Johnson opened up about the project, reflecting on the responsibility she feels. “We have been working with her on developing a script,” Johnson said. “It’s really special.” Her words hint at a deeply personal and meaningful film, signaling a shift in both their careers.
From Acting to Directing: Dakota’s New Chapter
This move is far from Johnson’s first dabble with directing. Last fall, her short film “Loser Baby” premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. The short tackled themes around queer friendships, identity, and relationships in Los Angeles. Despite its bold storytelling, it wasn’t picked up for a series, which Johnson admitted was a disappointment. “Nobody wanted to f–king make it,” she said bluntly, reflecting frustration over the industry’s hesitance to embrace such stories.
Still, that experience didn’t deter her. Instead, it seems to have fueled her passion for directing projects that matter. The new film with Burghardt is likely to push boundaries even further, focusing on autism — a subject rarely spotlighted in mainstream cinema, especially from an authentic voice.
Dakota Johnson’s production company, TeaTime Pictures, produced “Cha Cha Real Smooth” and continues to back her directorial ambitions. Alongside Ro Donnelly, Johnson has been steadily building a platform that supports stories she believes in, bridging her talents as an actor, producer, and now director.
Why This Matters in Hollywood Today
The film industry is slowly evolving, but representation remains a hot topic. Autistic characters, especially portrayed by actors who share that experience, are still uncommon on screen. Burghardt’s involvement as both writer and actress sets this project apart. It’s rare for such authentic representation to make it past the early development stages, let alone get directed by a high-profile actor like Johnson.
This move also speaks volumes about Johnson’s commitment to inclusivity and amplifying unheard voices. Hollywood has often been criticized for overlooking diverse stories and talent. Here, Johnson and Burghardt are flipping the script, insisting on control over how these narratives are told.
The risks are there, sure. Yet, it’s these kinds of projects that slowly change the industry. And for audiences tired of cookie-cutter rom-coms or dramas, this fresh perspective is welcome.
How “Cha Cha Real Smooth” Set the Stage
The 2022 film proved that audiences respond well to honest storytelling. It received praise for blending humor and emotion without slipping into clichés. Cooper Raiff’s role as writer/director helped shape the film, but it was the performances, especially Johnson’s, that struck a chord.
This backdrop of success offers a solid springboard for Johnson’s directing debut, paired with Burghardt’s script that’s clearly personal and meaningful.
What’s Next for Dakota and Vanessa?
Neither Johnson nor Burghardt are expected to act in this new film, marking a fresh direction for both. Johnson’s move from actress to director could inspire others to take control of stories they want to see made. Meanwhile, Burghardt’s script writing shines a light on a community rarely featured with such depth.
The film’s details remain under wraps, but the buzz is growing. Fans of authentic stories, especially those highlighting neurodiversity, will want to keep an eye out for this one.
With the backing of a trusted collaborator and a production company focused on meaningful content, this new project promises to be a standout. Johnson’s protective approach and Burghardt’s voice combined might just deliver something special — a film that’s more than just another indie flick, but a real conversation starter.
The winds are shifting in Hollywood. And sometimes, it takes stepping behind the camera to move things forward.
