In a candid interview on Hot Ones on June 12, 2025, actress Dakota Johnson didn’t hold back when discussing the current state of Hollywood. The Materialists star described the film industry as “a bit of a mess,” pointing to its heavy reliance on remakes and sequels as a major issue. Her comments have sparked conversations about the lack of originality in modern cinema and the challenges facing creative storytelling.
Hollywood’s Risk-Averse Mindset
Johnson, known for her roles in Fifty Shades of Grey and Madame Web, criticized the industry’s tendency to prioritize safe bets over fresh ideas. “When something does well, studios want to keep that going, so they remake the same things,” she told host Sean Evans. “But humans don’t want that. They want fresh, they want to feel new things, experience new things, see new things.”
Her remarks highlight a growing sentiment among audiences and filmmakers alike: Hollywood’s focus on intellectual property (IP) and established franchises often overshadows original storytelling. Recent examples include live-action remakes like Lilo & Stitch and Snow White in 2025, as well as the upcoming How to Train Your Dragon remake and HBO’s Harry Potter series reboot. Johnson argues this approach stifles creativity, as studios shy away from projects that seem risky or unproven.
Decision-Making by Committee
Another key issue Johnson raised is the influence of studio executives who lack a deep understanding of filmmaking. “I think it’s hard when creative decisions are made by committee and it’s hard when creative decisions are made by people who don’t even really watch movies or know anything about them, and that tends to be what’s occurring a lot,” she said.
This critique points to a broader problem in Hollywood, where corporate priorities often trump artistic vision. Johnson’s comments echo her earlier statements to Bustle in 2024, where she noted, “You cannot make art based on numbers and algorithms. Audiences are extremely smart, and executives have started to believe that they’re not.”
A Personal Perspective Shaped by Experience
As the daughter of actors Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson, and granddaughter of Tippi Hedren, Dakota Johnson has grown up immersed in the film industry. Her extensive career, spanning indie films like Suspiria and blockbusters like Madame Web, gives her a unique perspective on Hollywood’s inner workings. Her experience with Madame Web, a critical and commercial disappointment, may have fueled her frustration with the industry’s formulaic approach. She previously described the project as starting as “something and turned into something else,” expressing disinterest in returning to superhero films.
Despite her critiques, Johnson remains optimistic about the potential for change. She’s actively involved in projects like Materialists, an A24 romantic comedy set for release on June 16, 2025, where she plays a matchmaker navigating love and relationships. The film, co-starring Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal, represents the kind of original storytelling she champions.
The Bigger Picture: Hollywood’s Creative Crisis
Johnson’s comments come at a time when Hollywood is grappling with declining box office revenues and growing audience fatigue with recycled content. According to Comscore, 2024 box office revenue was $356 million, down from $371.3 million in 2023, with 2025’s first quarter showing a slight dip to $85.7 million. This financial pressure pushes studios toward familiar franchises, as seen with successful spin-offs like House of the Dragon and Young Sheldon.
However, there are signs of hope. Original films like Sinners, praised for its bold, non-IP-driven storytelling, have found success, proving audiences are hungry for fresh narratives. Actor Sam Rockwell recently called its box office performance “encouraging” for non-franchise films.
Audience and Industry Reactions
Johnson’s remarks have resonated online, with many fans and filmmakers agreeing that Hollywood needs to take more risks. One X user wrote, “Movie studios should be run by film producers of the risk-taking variety,” while another predicted that “smart, outsider filmmakers” using AI could disrupt the industry with original content. Even Mel Brooks’ teaser for the 2027 Spaceballs sequel humorously acknowledged Hollywood’s remake obsession, poking fun at the endless stream of franchise extensions.
On the flip side, the industry faces challenges beyond creative stagnation. A recent lawsuit by Disney and Universal against AI company Midjourney over copyright issues highlights tensions between traditional studios and emerging technologies, raising questions about the future of creativity in film.
What’s Next for Dakota Johnson and Hollywood?
Johnson’s outspokenness underscores her commitment to pushing for change in an industry she’s been part of since childhood. Her upcoming projects, including Materialists, signal a focus on character-driven, original stories. Meanwhile, her critique serves as a call to action for studios to trust artists and take chances on new ideas.
As Hollywood navigates this creative crossroads, the question remains: will studios heed Johnson’s call for originality, or continue leaning on the safety of remakes and sequels? For now, audiences can look forward to seeing Johnson in Materialists and hope her voice sparks a shift toward bolder, fresher storytelling.
