Hollywood actress Dakota Johnson may play a professional matchmaker in her new romantic comedy Materialists, but when it comes to her own love life, she keeps things refreshingly simple. While promoting the film alongside her co-star Chris Evans, the star opened up about the one non-negotiable trait she insists on in a partner—and it’s something many would agree with.
A Straightforward Approach to Love
During a recent press appearance to promote Materialists, Johnson and Evans shared the screen in a lighthearted interview where they discussed love, relationships, and what they each consider a deal-breaker when dating.
In the film, Johnson plays Lucy, a sharp, successful matchmaker with a talent for helping others find love, but who ironically struggles to find it for herself. The romantic comedy places her character in the middle of a love triangle between Evans’ character (her ex-boyfriend) and one played by Pedro Pascal.
When asked to identify a must-have quality in a potential partner—something they couldn’t compromise on—Evans was the first to jump in with a heartfelt yet humorous response.
“I would say must love dogs. Gotta love dogs,” he said with a grin. “If you’re not a dog person, what are we doing?”
The answer was met with laughter and nods of agreement, and the interviewer jokingly pointed out that Johnson easily checked that box.
But it was Dakota Johnson’s own response that stole the spotlight.
“Like… not an a******,” she quipped, without missing a beat.
The candid remark had everyone in the room cracking up. Evans struggled to contain his laughter and added, “That’s concise.” The interviewer, slightly taken aback but amused, said, “Well, OK, alright.” Evans chimed in again: “There it is.” The casual exchange ended with a round of laughs, and even the crew couldn’t hide their amusement.
Though humorous, Johnson’s comment revealed a deeper truth—sometimes, the most important qualities in a relationship are not complicated or overly idealized. Decency, kindness, and respect are often the most crucial foundations.
Inside Materialists: Love, Self-Discovery, and Modern Romance
Materialists is more than just a fun rom-com—it’s a thoughtful reflection on modern relationships and the changing dynamics of love. The film explores the professional and personal world of Lucy, the character played by Johnson, who helps others navigate their love lives while ignoring her own emotional needs.
Speaking about her character, Johnson explained, “Lucy is extremely focused, very professional, very good at her job. She’s very focused on other people’s hearts and not her own. So the journey of her throughout the movie is sort of realizing what is genuinely important in life.”
This introspective growth mirrors the journey many face in today’s fast-paced, appearance-driven world—where emotional connections can often take a backseat to curated images of success, status, or material wealth.
Chris Evans also shared his perspective on the film’s broader themes. He noted how Materialists touches on the way societal norms around love and marriage have shifted over the generations.
“It’s more about how some of the social norms that may have kept marriages together in our parents’ generations have kind of eroded over time,” Evans said. “So now love has kind of devolved into a calculation. It’s more about your head than your heart.”
This insight offers a modern critique of how relationships today often come with a checklist—education, income, career, social standing—sometimes at the expense of genuine emotional compatibility. The film, through humor and heartfelt storytelling, invites viewers to examine what really matters in a relationship.
Living Authentically: Johnson’s Message to the Audience
Beyond the humor and on-screen chemistry, Johnson had a powerful message she hopes audiences take with them after watching the movie.
“I would love for people to consider living authentically and really looking deep within and seeing what they really want for themselves rather than what they think their life should look like,” she said.
This message of authenticity resonates strongly in an era where many people feel pressured to live up to societal expectations or social media perfection. Johnson encourages viewers to peel back those layers and ask themselves what they truly want—both in love and in life.
The interview ended on a playful note when the interviewer jokingly said, “I hope the matchmaker was watching,” prompting Johnson to giggle again. Her charm, wit, and candor shone throughout the conversation, further endearing her to fans and reinforcing why she’s one of the most relatable stars in Hollywood today.
A Glimpse into the Real Dakota
While Dakota Johnson is best known for her performances on screen, moments like these remind us of who she is behind the camera: thoughtful, grounded, and refreshingly honest. Her simple yet powerful relationship rule—don’t date someone who’s unkind or arrogant—may sound obvious, but it’s a reminder many need to hear.
In a world that often overcomplicates dating, Johnson’s perspective cuts through the noise with clarity. It’s not about extravagant gestures or long lists of requirements. Sometimes, the most important thing is character—someone who treats you with respect, decency, and kindness.
As Materialists prepares for its theatrical release, fans are excited not only to see the romantic comedy unfold but also to witness the chemistry between Johnson, Evans, and Pascal. With humor, heart, and a modern message, the film promises to be both entertaining and insightful.