Dakota Johnson won't spend time on 'toxic' sets

Bang Showbiz on Jul 6, 2025

Published in Women

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Dakota Johnson won't "waste time" on "toxic" movie sets anymore.

The Fifty Shades of Grey actress is relishing her behind-the-scenes role as a producer because it helps her to put together a working environment that is "fun" and "fulfilling".

She told Variety: "If there's not a healthy collaboration, if it's not a good match, then it's not a good match. We really don't move forward if it's not a good match.

"I can't waste time on toxic sets anymore, or in situations that are not fun or fulfilling or healthy. That's one of the perks of [producing], because I get to put amazing people together and make something."

Dakota didn't share any details of any past "toxic" experiences but stressed she has no desire to work with "anybody who's mean or condescending or unkind."

She added: "I don't want to face people who are not willing to collaborate, and then there are obvious things.

"We all know what a toxic set is by now. We're artists, so there's room for expansive personalities, and we're working with emotions."

But the Materialists star admitted that doesn't mean there isn't scope for healthy disageements.

She added: "I love a healthy argument on a set, and I also believe that the most excellent idea wins. It's not a fight. It's not a race. It's a collaboration."

Dakota confessed she can be "pretty vocal" when it comes to advocating for herself at work.

She said: "I think now, just being in the position of being a producer and developing my own films, I can choose all the people who are in it, and that makes a huge difference."

Dakota is preparing to make her directorial debut, with the "amazing" Vanessa Burghardt in the lead role in the untitled movie, and although she doesn't feel confident in her filmmaking abilities, she's thrilled to be working with her pal.

She said: "I've always felt that I'm not ready to direct a feature.

"I don't have the confidence, but, with her, I feel very protective and I know her very well. I can see this world, so I just won't let anybody else do it. That's the real answer."