Dakota Johnson will make her feature directorial debut on the drama A Tree Is Blue, we can confirm, with Vanessa Burghardt, Charli XCX and Jessica Alba in negotiations to star. Burghardt wrote the script, which follows a young woman on the autism spectrum who leaves her overprotective but loving mother to seek freedom, friendship and a little chaos the summer after high school graduation. Burghardt is autistic and this marks her screenwriting debut.
Johnson will produce through TeaTime Pictures alongside Ro Donnelly and Sam Racanelli, with Rivulet Entertainment financing and Rob Paris and Mike Witherill producing for Rivulet. TeaTime’s Hyunji Ward will executive-produce with Rick Steele. Johnson previously directed the short Loser Baby, which premiered at TIFF 2024.
What does this mean for Charli XCX? The pop star has been on a streak of eclectic film work, and she’s also co-executive producing a score for A24’s Mother Mary. Jessica Alba’s possible involvement adds another glossy name.
This feels like a personal, intimate film — small in scale but possibly huge in heart. Share your thoughts below and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates, and share this with a friend.
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Sources:
- www.deadline.com/2025/10/dakota-johnson-directorial-debut-tree-is-blue-charli-xcx-1236593395/
