Dakota Johnson Will Play Marilyn Monroe in Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Short Film

According to Vanity Fair, Maggie Gyllenhaal will premiere at the Venice Film Festival in September a 17-minute short film titled Flesh Impact, starring Dakota Johnson and Ellen Burstyn as two versions of Marilyn Monroe. The production was created to celebrate the actress’s centennial—she would have turned 100 in 2026—and has the backing of Authentic Brands Group, which holds the rights to Monroe’s image.

Described as "a love letter to one of cinema’s most enduring icons," the short features Johnson as Monroe at the height of her fame, while Burstyn plays an imagined version of the actress later in life. Peter Sarsgaard and Sepideh Moafi round out the cast. The production is presented by automaker Genesis, with Gyllenhaal directing.

“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,” Gyllenhaal said in a statement. “With ‘Flesh Impact,’ we showcase the timeless icon we know and love through a modern lens that reclaims her story.”

The creative team includes production designer Karen Murphy (Elvis), casting director Mary Vernieu (The Last of Us), costume designer Jennifer Johnson (Bugonia), editor Affonso Gonçalves (Hamnet), and cinematographer Lawrence Sher (The Bride!).

"We believe the arts have a unique ability to inspire reflection, spark meaningful conversations, and connect people through stories that endure across generations," said Amy Marentic, chief marketing officer of Genesis Motor America. "Our support of this film honoring Marilyn Monroe reflects our commitment to celebrating cultural icons whose influence extends far beyond their time."

Gyllenhaal will also serve as president of the festival jury, while Burstyn will receive a career Golden Lion and will also appear in another film screening at the festival.