Hollywood stuns with two stars cast as Marilyn Monroe in surprising new film
Marilyn Monroe (Photo: Getty Images)
A striking transformation
One of Hollywood's biggest stars, Dakota Johnson, will play Marilyn Monroe in the new 17-minute short film Flesh Impact, directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal. The film will depict Monroe at the height of her fame.
The filmmakers have also chosen not to make another traditional biopic about Monroe's life. Instead, they will present their own interpretation of the screen legend and her enduring image. Johnson will portray Marilyn as the world knew her, young, famous, and at the peak of her popularity.
Dakota Johnson (Photo: Getty Images)
For Gyllenhaal, Monroe's story has always been deeply personal. The director said she has long been fascinated by the Hollywood icon, which is why she wanted to tell a story that offers a fresh perspective on such a familiar figure.
The film will also star 93-year-old Ellen Burstyn, who will portray an imagined older version of Marilyn exploring who the legendary actress might have become later in life.
What to know about the new film
Flesh Impact was created to mark the 100th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's birth. Its creators describe the short film as a love letter to the screen legend.
The cast also includes Peter Sarsgaard and Sepideh Moafi. However, Dakota Johnson is the project's central star, taking on the challenge of portraying Monroe during the most iconic period of her career.
Monroe died young, at just 36 years old in 1962. Rather than focusing solely on the facts of her life, the filmmakers chose to imagine an alternate future for the actress.
According to Maggie Gyllenhaal, the film is about more than Monroe herself. It also explores the nature of acting, highlighting how the profession can be both deeply vulnerable and profoundly powerful.
Flesh Impact will premiere at the Venice Film Festival in September.
