Hollywood star Dakota Johnson has broken her silence on the disappointing performance of Madame Web, the 2024 superhero film that failed to meet expectations both at the box office and with critics. In candid remarks during a recent interview, Johnson emphasized that the movie’s failure was not due to her performance, but rather a result of creative decisions made by those lacking artistic vision.
Madame Web, produced with a budget reportedly around $100 million, aimed to introduce a new heroine within Sony’s Spider-Man Universe. Despite the studio’s high hopes, the film struggled to connect with audiences and critics alike, earning a mere 11% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and just barely breaking even worldwide with box office returns close to its budget.
Reflecting on the project, Johnson revealed the film evolved far beyond what she originally signed up for. “Sometimes in this industry, you sign on to something, and it’s one thing and then as you’re making it, it becomes a completely different thing, and you’re like, ‘Wait, what?’” she explained. This shift, she suggests, contributed heavily to the film’s disconnect with fans.
Johnson further criticized the current filmmaking environment, where major studio projects are often subjected to committee-driven decision-making. “There’s this thing that happens now where a lot of creative decisions are made by committee. Or made by people who don’t have a creative bone in their body,” she said. According to Johnson, this approach stifles creativity and artistic integrity, resulting in films that fail to resonate.
Despite the negative reception of Madame Web, Johnson remains upbeat about her career trajectory. She views the experience as a tough but valuable lesson in navigating the complex Hollywood landscape. “It’s so hard to get movies made, and in these big movies that get made… decisions are being made by committees, and art does not do well when it’s made by committee,” she added.
Looking ahead, Johnson is focusing on upcoming projects that allow her more creative freedom. Most notably, she stars in the romantic comedy Materialists, scheduled for release in June 2025. In this film, she plays a New York City matchmaker embroiled in a love triangle with characters portrayed by Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal. Early buzz suggests the movie is a fresh and lighter turn for Johnson after the superhero setback.
Industry insiders say Johnson’s frankness sheds light on a broader issue within Hollywood’s big-budget filmmaking — where the struggle to balance artistic vision and commercial pressures often leads to creative compromises that disappoint audiences.
Madame Web’s underperformance underscores the challenges studios face when trying to expand shared universes without a clear creative direction. Meanwhile, Dakota Johnson’s comments resonate with many actors and creators who have witnessed firsthand how committee-driven filmmaking can dilute original concepts.
