Dakota Johnson Critiques Hollywood’s Dependence on Remakes and Lack of Creative Risk
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"Audiences want something fresh—they want to feel something real”
In a recent interview on Hot Ones, Dakota Johnson expressed her candid thoughts on the state of the film industry, highlighting how commercial strategies often come at the cost of creativity. The Materialists star criticized the growing trend of studios relying on remakes and franchise expansions instead of supporting original storytelling.
Host Sean Evans prompted the conversation by asking why Johnson believes Hollywood is increasingly reluctant to take risks. Her response was direct and revealing: “It’s hard when creative decisions are made by committee,” she said. “And it’s even harder when those decisions are being made by people who don’t watch films or have a deep understanding of them.” Johnson’s comments reflect a widespread concern in the industry that executives are prioritizing short-term profits over long-term cultural and artistic growth.
She continued, “When something is successful, studios tend to replicate it instead of investing in new stories. But audiences want something different. They want to be moved, to see something they’ve never experienced before. It’s all just kind of a mess right now.”
Her remarks come at a time when Hollywood is heavily invested in intellectual property (IP), with numerous sequels, prequels, reboots, and cinematic universes dominating the market. Projects like Harry Potter reboots, the expansion of Game of Thrones through House of the Dragon, and sitcom prequels such as Young Sheldon are all examples of how major studios are banking on familiarity.
While such projects may offer financial reliability, Johnson’s critique raises an important issue: repetition doesn’t always satisfy an audience’s emotional or intellectual curiosity. Many viewers are becoming increasingly aware of formulaic content, and fatigue is beginning to show—both in box office returns and critical reception. Johnson’s insights tap into a desire for fresh, emotionally resonant narratives that reflect the complexity of modern life.
Known for choosing bold and often unconventional roles, Johnson has starred in films like Cha Cha Real Smooth and Am I OK?, in addition to her current role in Materialists. Her career choices emphasize a commitment to telling stories that matter—ones that feel original, thoughtful, and impactful.
The systemic issue she addresses centers on how content is approved and produced. Many greenlight decisions are driven by data analytics rather than artistic sensibility. As a result, studios often play it safe, leading to homogenous content that lacks urgency or depth. According to Johnson, this formula clashes with the very nature of cinema, which should be driven by emotional discovery and storytelling innovation.
Still, there are promising signs. Films like Everything Everywhere All At Once, Barbie, and Past Lives have demonstrated that audiences will embrace originality when it’s well-executed. These films broke expectations and resonated widely—suggesting that the audience appetite for new ideas is not only present but powerful.
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Johnson’s perspective aligns with a growing movement among filmmakers and performers who advocate for trusting creators, empowering unique voices, and rethinking how projects are selected. It’s not about avoiding financial success—it’s about redefining it to include cultural value and creative growth.
Her message is ultimately a call for balance: between business needs and creative risks, between what’s familiar and what’s new. Hollywood doesn’t need to abandon franchises, but it does need to make space for stories that challenge norms and invite curiosity.
