Dakota Johnson is officially stepping into a new role — behind the camera.
The 36-year-old actress is set to make her directorial debut with A Tree Is Blue, a coming-of-age drama written by Vanessa Burghardt, who’s also making her screenwriting debut.
According to Deadline, the film “will tell the story of a young woman on the autism spectrum who breaks free from her overprotective but loving mother in search of freedom, friendship, and a little chaos in the summer after high school graduation.”
Vanessa, who is herself autistic, is also in talks to star in the film — marking a major step toward authentic representation both on and off-screen.
The film is already generating buzz thanks to its impressive cast negotiations. Jessica Alba is in talks to star, known for her iconic roles in Fantastic Four, Sin City, and Honey, as well as her recent work in L.A.’s Finest. She was even spotted grabbing lunch with Dakota in Los Angeles last month — a sign that plans were already in motion.
Also in talks is Charli XCX, the Grammy-winning pop star who’s been diving headfirst into acting with projects like 100 Nights of Hero, Erupcja, and Sacrifice, plus upcoming A24 film The Moment, which she also wrote and produced.
For Dakota, A Tree Is Blue represents a long-awaited creative shift. Having produced several indie projects under her company TeaTime Pictures, she’s been steadily building her behind-the-scenes portfolio.
“Directing has always been something I wanted to do,” Dakota shared in a statement. “This story felt personal, raw, and alive — something I needed to tell.”
If her track record is anything to go by, A Tree Is Blue will likely blend the emotional sensitivity Dakota brings to her acting with the sharp, intimate storytelling she’s known for choosing in her projects.
Hollywood, meet Dakota Johnson: director.
