Dakota Johnson (36) surprises with a new role: The actress can be seen in first images as Marilyn Monroe. For the new film 'Flesh Impact,' she transforms into the legendary Hollywood icon and steps into the role of one of the most famous actresses in film history. The film by director Maggie Gyllenhaal (48) aims to tell the story of the Hollywood icon from a new perspective - fitting for her 100th birthday in 2026.
The project was announced on Monday by international automobile manufacturer Genesis, who is collaborating with Gyllenhaal to reinterpret Monroe's story. The world premiere of 'Flesh Impact' is planned for 2026 at the Venice International Film Festival.
Dakota Johnson Shows a New Side of Marilyn Monroe
In 'Flesh Impact,' Dakota Johnson plays Marilyn Monroe at the peak of her career. The first released images show the actress in the iconic aesthetic of the Hollywood legend and already reveal how dramatically she has been transformed for the role.
However, the film doesn't want to simply repeat familiar images of Monroe, but rather tell her story from a new perspective. According to a statement about the project, Johnson embodies the famous version of Monroe, while Ellen Burstyn (93) plays an alternative interpretation of the actress - a version of Marilyn that the public could never get to know.
Maggie Gyllenhaal Wanted to Retell Marilyn Monroe's Story
For director Maggie Gyllenhaal, the project was initially a challenge. In a conversation with 'Vanity Fair', she explained that she initially questioned whether she was the right person for a film about such a major icon.
'Flesh Impact' aims to show Marilyn Monroe not just as an icon or symbol of attraction, but to explore the person behind the world-famous image. Gyllenhaal was particularly interested in the question of how Monroe would have developed as an artist if she had lived longer.
Marilyn Monroe: An Icon Across Generations
Marilyn Monroe was among Hollywood's biggest stars in the 1950s and early 1960s. She became world-famous with films like 'Some Like It Hot,' 'How to Marry a Millionaire,' and 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.'
Particularly her performance with the song 'Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend' from 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes' made her a timeless pop culture icon. At the same time, Monroe was reduced to her glamorous image throughout her life, even though she also sought recognition as a serious actress.
Star-Studded Cast Around Dakota Johnson
Alongside Dakota Johnson and Ellen Burstyn, Peter Sarsgaard and Sepideh Moafi are also part of the cast of 'Flesh Impact.' The film is described as a tribute to one of the most influential figures in cinema history.
Marilyn Monroe died in 1962 at the age of 36. Her life and death continue to captivate the public to this day. With 'Flesh Impact,' however, Maggie Gyllenhaal primarily wants to take a new look at the woman behind the famous persona.
