Dakota Johnson opens up about 'Verity' film role, calls plot 'juicy' while controversy brews around co-stars of another Colleen Hoover adaptation

Dakota Johnson is gearing up to appear in 'Verity,' a gripping psychological thriller based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, but surprisingly, the actress wasn’t familiar with the book before landing the role. While attending the Cannes Film Festival, Johnson spoke about the upcoming film adaptation, which also stars Anne Hathaway and Josh Hartnett.

“I honestly didn’t know anything about 'Verity' when I first read the script,” Johnson admitted during the interview with Deadline. “It’s based on a novel by Colleen Hoover, apparently she’s got a huge fanbase. People are obsessed with her books.”

The '50 Shades of Grey' actress went on to describe the bestselling author as “funny” and “cool,” adding that she quickly understood why Hoover’s dark, emotionally charged storytelling has captured such a devoted following. Johnson seemed intrigued by the premise of the project itself, explaining that the film centers around a ghostwriter who’s hired to complete the works of a famous author following a mysterious accident.

A psychological thriller filled with dark twists

“She ends up living in the same house as the author, her husband, and their child and then things start to get really strange,” Johnson shared. “There are some wild twists in this one. It’s juicy.”

With production now wrapped, fans of Hoover’s original novel are eagerly anticipating how the story will translate on screen. The book has long been a favorite among thriller lovers, and social media buzz around the movie has only added to the excitement.

Tensions rise behind another Coleen Hoover adaptation

Interestingly, the anticipation surrounding 'Verity' is unfolding alongside intense drama connected to another Colleen Hoover adaptation, 'It Ends With Us.' That film has been making headlines not for its storyline but for an off-screen legal battle between its stars.

Actress Blake Lively accused her co-star Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment in December 2024. In response, Baldoni filed a defamation suit against Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, causing a media scruitny and casting a shadow over the project’s release.

While the controversy surrounding 'It Ends With Us' has turned attention toward the legal drama, 'Verity 'seems to be staying clear of any behind-the-scenes chaos at least for now. And with a high-profile cast and a plot full of suspense, 'Verity' is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about thrillers of the year.