Dakota Johnson Reveals How an Intimacy Coordinator Transformed Her Experience in New Movie: ‘Sex Scenes Aren’t Sexy at All’

Dakota Johnson recently discussed her experience with intimacy coordination during an interview on Amy Poehler’s “Good Hang” podcast. After 15 years of acting, this was her first time working with an intimacy coordinator on a recent film. It’s surprising, especially considering her notable role in the “Fifty Shades of Grey” trilogy, which featured plenty of intimate scenes. Back then, she pointed out, there were no intimacy coordinators to help guide actors through such moments.

Johnson shared that her first coordinator was immensely helpful. “She was really great,” Johnson noted. “It was cool because in a sex scene, it’s not really sexy. It doesn’t feel good.” This perspective sheds light on the often-unseen challenges actors face while filming intimate scenes.

Throughout her career, Johnson has tackled numerous intimate scenes, requiring her to approach them thoughtfully. She explained that the character’s identity significantly influences how she prepares. “Is she an idolized hot girl? A lonely housewife? Scared or conservative?” Johnson considered these questions to shape her performance. She emphasized the importance of feeling good in her body, adding, “My mom raised me to love my body. I’m grateful I can bring that to my work.”

Reflecting on her time in the “Fifty Shades” series, Johnson described the experience as “psychotic.” She remarked on how the film’s production became challenging. “I signed up for a very different version of the film,” she recalled. The author, E.L. James, had significant creative control, leading to constant conflicts over the film’s direction. “Parts of the book just wouldn’t work in a movie,” she explained, particularly the inner monologues that read as cheesy.

Despite the difficulties, Johnson expressed pride in the final product. “Everything turns out the way it’s supposed to,” she said, though the journey was “tricky.”

Intimacy coordinators are becoming more common in film and television, reflecting a growing awareness of actor welfare. According to a 2021 report by the Intimacy Directors and Coordinators organization, the use of these coordinators has increased dramatically in recent years, with 78% of actors feeling more comfortable and safe during intimate scenes when one is present.

As Johnson’s experience shows, the push for professionalism in these scenes is essential, creating a safer environment for all involved.

For more insights into her thoughts on acting and intimacy, check out her full interview on the “Good Hang” podcast.



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