Dakota Johnson channels Marilyn Monroe in upcoming biographical drama
The 'Fifty Shades of Grey' actress stars as Marilyn Monroe in Maggie Gyllenhaal's 'Flesh Impact'
Dakota Johnson is stepping into the role of one of Hollywood's most enduring icons, transforming into Marilyn Monroe for Flesh Impact, a new film directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal that celebrates what would have been the screen legend's 100th birthday.
The first-look images, released on Monday, show Johnson portraying Monroe at the height of her fame, while acclaimed actress Ellen Burstyn takes on an alternate version of the late star in a story that imagines the life she may have lived.
According to the film's official description, Flesh Impact reclaims Monroe's story through a modern lens, offering a fresh perspective on one of cinema's most celebrated figures.
_updates.jpg)
"I've always been fascinated by Marilyn Monroe. So, when Genesis first came to me with the idea of a celebratory project for her centennial, I knew I wanted to work together on bringing this story to life," Gyllenhaal said in a statement.
The filmmaker added, "With Flesh Impact, we showcase the timeless icon we know and love through a modern lens that reclaims her story."
Speaking to Vanity Fair, Gyllenhaal admitted she initially questioned whether she was the right person to direct such a significant project.
"I knew, of course, her major performances and I knew the general performance that she had put into the world when she was alive," she said. "But I thought, 'I don't know if I'm the woman for this job. Let me just take a minute and see what comes up.'"
She also reflected on Monroe's unique screen presence, describing her performances as "weird and wild and very joyful, mixed with terribly upsetting all at once."
"I kind of wondered what would've happened if she'd had 60 years to herself. What might be different about the work that she would do now?" Gyllenhaal added.
Alongside Johnson and Burstyn, Flesh Impact also stars Sepideh Moafi and Peter Sarsgaard.
The film, described as "a love letter to one of cinema's most enduring icons," is scheduled to make its world premiere at the 2026 Venice International Film Festival in September.
