Side-By-Side Pics Show Dakota Johnson's Mesmerizing Transformation Into Marilyn Monroe
Dakota Johnson stars as Marilyn Monroe in the new Genesis-produced short film "Flesh Impact," which premieres in September at the 2026 Venice International Film Festival. The "Fifty Shades of Grey" actor's mesmerizing transformation into the 1950s Hollywood icon was unveiled in first-look images shared by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Maggie Gyllenhaal via Genesis Newsroom.
Who would have thought Johnson, with her signature long brunette hair and naturally understated demeanor, would be cast as blond bombshell Marilyn Monroe? The first-look photos of the actor in costume, however, show just how convincingly she morphs into character. In a headshot photo (left, below), Dakota Johnson — known for her iconic cool-girl hair looks – is seen donning Monroe's famed short roller-set blond hair. And thanks to the production's makeup team, who expertly recreated Monroe's thick arched brows, long lashes, defined pouty lips, and perfectly placed beauty mark, Johnson bears a striking resemblance to the '50s pinup.
"Flesh Impact" was created in honor of Monroe and explores what the Hollywood legend's life might have looked like had she lived to celebrate her 100th birthday on June 1, 2026. Covering two versions of Monroe, Johnson portrays the star during her prime, while Oscar-winner Ellen Burstyn takes on a fictional older version that fans have long imagined. "I've always been fascinated by Marilyn Monroe. So, when Genesis first came to me with the idea of a celebratory project for her centennial, I knew I wanted to work together on bringing this story to life," said Gyllenhaal. "With 'Flesh Impact,' we showcase the timeless icon we know and love through a modern lens that reclaims her story."
Why was Dakota the best person to play Marilyn?
While Johnson may have been an unlikely choice to play Monroe, her reputation for taking on transformative movie roles precedes her. For the film's director, Maggie Gyllenhaal, who previously worked with Johnson on "The Lost Daughter," the "Materialists" star was the first person she thought of to capture Monroe's essence, despite not closely looking like her. "Then I thought, That's ridiculous. Who cares?" Gyllenhaal 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."
Although there have been several biographical films and movies about the illustrious screen siren, along with a long list of actors who have portrayed her, including Ana de Armas (in "Blonde"), Kelli Garner (in "The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe"), and Michelle Williams (in "My Week with Marilyn"), curiosity surrounding Johnson's casting prompted researchers to look for a possible family connection between the two actors. According to a MyHeritage press release, Johnson and Monroe are ninth cousins three times removed, as reported by E! News. Explaining what sparked the investigation, MyHeritage researcher Naama Lanski said, "With a new film bringing Marilyn Monroe back into the spotlight, our research team wanted to see whether there was a deeper family connection. Discovering that Dakota Johnson and Marilyn Monroe are related turns the casting into a real-life family story."
The revelation helps explain the uncanny yet mesmerizing resemblance the two share once Johnson completely transforms her image for her "Flesh Impact" role.