Dakota Johnson Reuniting with New Jersey Actor for Directorial Debut

make her feature directorial debut with the help of a familiar face. Johnson has teamed up with New Jersey actor Vanessa Burghardt, whom she got to know while working on the 2022 Apple TV+ film “Cha Cha Real Smooth,” where they played mother and daughter.

During the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic, Johnson shared that she has always been hesitant about directing a full feature film, feeling lacking in confidence. However, with Burghardt by her side, she feels a strong bond and sense of protectiveness. Johnson expressed her deep connection to Burghardt, stating, “I can see this world, so I just won’t let anybody else do it. That’s the real answer.”

Recently starring in Celine Song’s romantic comedy “Materialists” alongside Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans, Johnson mentioned that her directorial debut project holds a special place in her heart. She praised Burghardt, who comes from Cedar Grove, as an amazing autistic actress.

Their collaboration with director Cooper Raiff in “Cha Cha Real Smooth,” a dramedy set in New Jersey, was a success, garnering an audience award at the Sundance Film Festival and being picked up by Apple. Johnson, also a producer on the film through her TeaTime Pictures production company, played the role of Domino, while Burghardt shone as Lola, a child with autism.

In the film, Raiff portrayed Andrew, a recent college graduate navigating his way through life until he lands a job working on the local bar and bat mitzvah circuit in Livingston. It is during this time that he encounters Lola and her mom, Domino, forming the heart of the storyline.

This promising start for Burghardt led to appearances in the 2024 film “Lost & Found in Cleveland” and a starring role in the Hallmark Mystery TV movie “A Dance in the Snow” the same year.

From winning audiences at prestigious film festivals to creating compelling on-screen narratives, Johnson and Burghardt’s partnership is one to watch as they embark on new creative endeavors together.