Dakota Johnson Opens Up About Her Role in “Madame Web”

In an exclusive interview with GamesRadar+ and the Inside Total Film podcast, Dakota Johnson discusses her attraction to her latest project, “Madame Web,” revealing it wasn’t about playing a comic book character.

“I hadn’t ever thought that I would be in a superhero world,” Johnson shares candidly. “But then when the script came along, I loved the idea of a superhero being a young woman whose mind was extremely powerful, and I liked the dynamic between her and these three young women; how they genuinely protect and support and care for each other. And so, it just seemed different to me and it was way more grounded and real and gritty. I just thought it was an interesting way to experience that world.”

Directed by S. J. Clarkson of “Jessica Jones” fame, “Madame Web” follows New Yorker Cassie (portrayed by Johnson), who discovers clairvoyant abilities after a near-death experience. When she foresees a chilling vision of a man murdering three teens on a train, she intervenes, setting off a perilous chase with the killer. The film also stars Sydney Sweeney, Adam Scott, Celeste O’Connor, Isabela Merced, and Tahar Rahim.

Despite Cassie’s initial reluctance, Johnson explains that her character’s innate desire to save others stems from a deep-seated need to compensate for her inability to save her mother, making her journey a perpetual quest for redemption.

In contrast to Johnson’s unexpected entry into the superhero genre, French-Algerian actor Tahar Rahim, who portrays antagonist Ezekiel Sims, had long harbored dreams of starring in such a film. Reflecting on the rarity of such opportunities in France, Rahim expresses excitement about the script, the story, and his collaboration with director S. J. Clarkson.

“Madame Web” hits theaters on February 14, promising audiences a fresh take on the superhero genre with a compelling narrative and dynamic characters.