Dakota Johnson has undergone a striking transformation to play Marilyn Monroe in the short film Flesh Impact, directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal. The first-look image shows Johnson with Monroe's signature platinum blonde curls, soft pink lipstick, and trademark mole.
Film Details and Premiere
The 17-minute project, described as a 'love letter' to Monroe, will premiere at the Venice Film Festival in September 2026. Johnson portrays Monroe 'at the height of her fame,' while Oscar winner Ellen Burstyn plays 'a version of Marilyn the world never had a chance to see.'
Plot Synopsis
According to the official synopsis, the film follows a mysterious elderly woman auditioning for a play in a small New York theatre. As she recounts her acting career, long-held misconceptions about her life unravel, revealing a more intimate version of the Hollywood icon.
Fan Reaction
Fan reaction was mixed. One X user wrote: 'She somehow even managed to capture her sultry eyes!' Another posted: 'I had no idea this was Dakota Johnson!' However, some critics said: 'Looks absolutely nothing like her' and 'They don't even have the same facial shape!'
Director's Perspective
Gyllenhaal admitted she briefly questioned whether Johnson physically resembled Monroe before deciding it didn't matter. 'Then I thought, "That's ridiculous. Who cares?"' she told Vanity Fair. 'I don't know that anyone even really totally knows what Marilyn looks like because she's been so commodified and made into this myth and she's very blurry in my mind.'
Rather than chasing a perfect impression, Gyllenhaal described the film as 'a mixture of Marilyn and my fantasy of her,' adding that it's ultimately about 'actresses in general and what it's like to have that strange, very vulnerable and, at the same time, very powerful job.'
Cast and Production
The short also stars Sepideh Moafi and Peter Sarsgaard, Gyllenhaal's husband. It was created with the blessing of the Marilyn Monroe estate and presented by automotive brand Genesis. Gyllenhaal said: 'I've always been fascinated by Marilyn Monroe. With Flesh Impact, we showcase the timeless icon we know and love through a modern lens that reclaims her story.'
Legacy of Monroe Portrayals
Johnson joins a list of actresses who have played Monroe, including Michelle Williams in My Week with Marilyn and Ana de Armas in Netflix's Blonde. The film arrives months after what would have been Monroe's 100th birthday.
