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Dakota Johnson has revealed that her unlikely bond with Madonna stretches back decades, describing the pop icon as both "wild" and "beautiful" to be around.
In a recent interview, the Splitsville actress explained that she first met the Queen of Pop as a child, when Madonna starred alongside Antonio Banderas; Johnson's former stepfather, in the 1996 film Evita. "I met her when I was really young, because she did a movie with my stepdad," the 35-year-old shared.
Though their professional paths never fully aligned, Johnson recalled how a potential collaboration years later helped them reconnect. "We were gonna work together on something, and even though that didn't happen, we've stayed in touch. We've kind of circled each other for years," she said.
The Madame Web star admitted it still feels surreal to call Madonna a friend. "She's an energy to be near that is so beautiful and so wild. I really love her. It's just cool that she even wants to talk to me."
Johnson, who recently split from Coldplay frontman Chris Martin after eight years together, has been spending her summer leaning on close friends. She vacationed in Ibiza with Kate Hudson in July and has also built new connections on set. While filming the comedy Splitsville, she grew particularly close with co-star Adria Arjona. "We love each other very much. When you're on location, you kind of band together," Johnson explained, joking about nights of tequila-fueled fun during the shoot.
Beyond acting, Johnson has stepped further into producing, something she says gives her more control over the environments she works in. "I can't waste time on toxic sets anymore," she told Variety. "One of the perks of producing is putting amazing people together and creating something fulfilling. Collaboration has to feel healthy; otherwise, it's not worth it."
While Johnson didn't name names from past negative experiences, she made clear that kindness and creativity drive the projects she now chooses. And as her friendship with Madonna shows, she values authentic connections; whether on screen, behind the camera, or in her personal life.
