In a twist few fans know, Dakota Johnson was nearly recast after the first Fifty Shades film. Tension with producers, creative differences, and media pressure pushed the relationship to its breaking point.
After filming Fifty Shades of Grey, Dakota reportedly clashed with the studio over how Ana should evolve. She wanted a stronger arc, more agency, and more creative input. Universal, however, feared losing the submissive fantasy fans expected.
Talks became strained. At one point, Dakota missed a major press event, fueling speculation. Quietly, casting teams arranged a screen test with a rising star actress. Two scenes were filmed opposite Dornan—one romantic, one confrontational.
Insiders say the chemistry was flat. Jamie even refused a second test, insisting Dakota was irreplaceable. “We’d built something,” he later said. “You can’t fake three films of tension.”
In the end, Dakota returned—and producers backed off. The footage was never released, but rumor has it the other actress signed a confidentiality agreement.
It was the almost that could’ve changed everything.
