Dakota Johnson is ready to grow a new branch in her creative journey. The acclaimed actor and producer, known for her eclectic choices across independent and studio films, is officially making her feature directorial debut with A Tree Is Blue. The project brings together a fascinating ensemble, with pop musician Charli XCX and Hollywood star Jessica Alba currently in talks to star, alongside writer-actress Vanessa Burghardt.
The film, which begins production next month in Los Angeles, is shaping up to be a heartfelt, female-led drama that reflects Johnson’s evolving artistic sensibilities and her passion for intimate, character-driven storytelling.
From Actor to Director: A Creative Leap for Dakota Johnson
After years of balancing a diverse acting career with independent producing ventures, Johnson’s move into direction feels like a natural evolution. She previously directed the short film Loser Baby, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024, and co-directed a music video earlier in her career. But A Tree Is Blue marks her first full-length narrative feature — a leap she has described as “a really special project, very close to my heart.”
Her production banner TeaTime Pictures, which she co-founded with Ro Donnelly, has consistently championed original and emotionally resonant stories. With A Tree Is Blue, Johnson steps into a more personal creative role — shaping not only the tone and performances but also the emotional architecture of the film.
“I’ve wanted to direct for a long time,” Johnson said in a recent interview, hinting that A Tree Is Blue is the culmination of years of learning from the sets she’s worked on. It’s a move that aligns her with a growing number of actors — from Olivia Wilde to Greta Gerwig — who have successfully transitioned behind the camera to tell stories that resonate with their own creative vision.
A Tree Is Blue: A Story Rooted in Self-Discovery and Freedom
Though plot details are being kept under wraps, early reports suggest that A Tree Is Blue follows a young woman on the autism spectrum who seeks freedom and independence after high school, stepping out from under the protective care of her mother. The story, written by first-time screenwriter Vanessa Burghardt, explores themes of self-discovery, family, and the messy but liberating pursuit of autonomy.
If accurate, this premise positions A Tree Is Blue as both a coming-of-age narrative and a sensitive portrayal of neurodiversity — topics rarely handled with nuance in mainstream cinema. Burghardt, who also co-starred with Johnson in Cha Cha Real Smooth, brings an authentic voice to the screenplay. Her dual involvement as writer and performer could lend the film an intimate emotional core and an insider’s understanding of its subject matter.
An Intriguing Cast: Charli XCX and Jessica Alba in Talks
Adding to the excitement are reports that Grammy-winning artist Charli XCX and actress-producer Jessica Alba are in discussions to join the cast. Both bring distinct energy and crossover appeal.
Charli XCX, who has been steadily expanding her presence in film, is already part of A24’s The Moment and has appeared in Faces of Death and The Gallerist. Her edgy screen persona could add a dynamic layer to Johnson’s indie-style direction.
Jessica Alba, fresh from Netflix’s Trigger Warning, is also set to star alongside Anthony Hopkins and Al Pacino in the upcoming biopic Maserati: The Brothers. Her involvement signals a blend of mainstream visibility and mature emotional grounding for A Tree Is Blue.
Meanwhile, Burghardt’s potential dual role — both writing and acting — suggests the film may take a collaborative approach, anchored in trust and creative synergy.
The Team Behind the Project
A Tree Is Blue is being fully financed by Rivulet Entertainment, known for backing original, director-driven projects. Sales are being handled by CAA Media Finance, with TeaTime Pictures producing alongside Rivulet.
Producers include Dakota Johnson, Ro Donnelly, and Sam Racanelli for TeaTime, along with Rob Paris and Mike Witherill for Rivulet. Hyunji Ward serves as executive producer for TeaTime, with Rick Steele joining as executive producer as well.
With this solid backing and experienced team, A Tree Is Blue is positioned as a prestige project that could debut at major festivals in 2026 — possibly Sundance or Toronto, where Johnson already has strong relationships.
Why A Tree Is Blue Could Redefine Dakota Johnson’s Career
For Dakota Johnson, A Tree Is Blue represents more than just a directorial debut — it’s a defining statement of her creative maturity. Her career, marked by bold choices in films like The Lost Daughter, Cha Cha Real Smooth, and The High Note, has always gravitated toward emotional honesty and complex female narratives. Directing allows her to extend that sensibility to the entire canvas — from performance to visual tone.
The collaboration with Vanessa Burghardt brings authenticity to the film’s portrayal of neurodiversity, while the possible casting of Charli XCX and Jessica Alba adds vibrancy and range. Thematically, the story’s focus on independence and identity connects with Johnson’s own artistic journey — an artist carving her own path in an industry often reluctant to let actors evolve beyond the screen.
With TeaTime Pictures continuing to back distinctive voices and Rivulet Entertainment providing a sturdy production base, A Tree Is Blue is poised to balance creative freedom with professional polish. The film’s Los Angeles shoot begins in November, and though a release date is yet to be announced, anticipation is quietly building.
As Johnson steps behind the camera, the project stands as a symbolic turning point — a chance for her to reimagine the kind of stories she’s known for telling. If Loser Baby was a glimpse of her potential as a director, A Tree Is Blue may be the full bloom that establishes Dakota Johnson as a filmmaker ready to make her mark.
