In a recent interview, Dakota Johnson opened up about her continued interest in romantic stories, directly contrasting with Jamie Dornan’s deliberate decision to move on from the genre after their shared experience in the Fifty Shades trilogy.
When asked why she keeps choosing projects that explore love, desire, and relationships — such as Materialists (2025) and other modern rom-coms — Dakota gave a thoughtful and honest answer:
“I’m a very sexual person, and when I’m interested in something, I want to know everything about it. That’s part of why I did those big, naked movies in the first place. Romance and intimacy are fascinating to me — not just the fantasy, but the real, messy, human side of connection. I like stories that explore power, vulnerability, and what people actually want from each other.”
She added that her approach has evolved. While Fifty Shades was chaotic and often felt like a “constant battle,” she now seeks out smarter, more nuanced romantic narratives that give her control and depth. “I can choose projects that feel authentic to me now,” she said. “I don’t want to repeat the past, but I’m not afraid of romance when it’s done with care and intelligence.”
Jamie Dornan, on the other hand, has been very clear about why he has largely walked away from romantic leading roles. In multiple interviews, he has explained that the intense scrutiny, physical demands, and typecasting that came with playing Christian Grey made him reluctant to revisit the genre.
“I’ve never really done romance again after that,” Dornan said previously. “There’s a reason for it. What Dakota and I went through was singular — the trust we built, the vulnerability, the madness of it all. I don’t think I want to try to recreate that kind of intimacy with anyone else. It was enough for one lifetime.”
Dornan has also spoken about wanting to protect his image and mental health. After the ridicule that followed Fifty Shades, he consciously pivoted toward darker, more dramatic roles like The Fall, Belfast, and The Tourist, and more recently toward comedy in The Worst. He has repeatedly emphasized his desire for balance, family time, and variety, saying he no longer feels the need to be the brooding romantic hero.
The contrast between the two former co-stars is striking: Dakota sees romance as a space for continued exploration and growth, while Jamie views his Fifty Shades chapter as a unique, unrepeatable experience he has no interest in revisiting.
Both actors have maintained a respectful friendship over the years, but their career paths have clearly diverged. Dakota continues to lean into thoughtful romantic and relationship-driven stories on her own terms, while Jamie focuses on reinvention and stepping back from the spotlight.
Their different approaches highlight how the same intense franchise affected them in very different ways — and how each has chosen to move forward.