If you happen to spy Anastasia Steele’s bare backside in Fifty Shades Freed, you likely wouldn’t be seeing Dakota Johnson’s cheeks. Apparently, the actress needed a butt double for Fifty Shades of Grey — and its sequels, presumably — because she has a butt tattoo. This intriguing detail highlights the unique challenges faced by actors in maintaining their on-screen personas while juggling personal choices, such as body art. The decision to use a body double for a scene speaks to the complexities of the film industry, where every detail is scrutinized and crafted for the perfect shot.
“We did have a butt double for Dakota,” Fifty Shades cinematographer Seamus McGarvey told The New York Times in 2015. “I had the pleasure of casting a non-tattooed bottom.” This comment not only underscores the importance of visual aesthetics in film but also reflects the often unseen challenges that come with portraying characters in a visually compelling way. Johnson, who is known for her candidness, has shared her personal feelings about her tattoos, shedding light on her journey as an actress.
In fact, Dakota, the daughter of actors Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson, has ink all over her body… though it sounds like she wishes she didn’t. “I went through a phase where I loved tattoos, and I loved the feeling of getting tattooed,” she told The Edit in 2016. “But now I’ve outgrown them mostly, and [because] I always have to cover them for jobs, God, they’re annoying!” This statement reveals a common struggle among those in the public eye, where personal choices can impact professional opportunities.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Dakota Johnson |
| Date of Birth | October 4, 1989 |
| Parents | Melanie Griffith, Don Johnson |
| Notable Works | Fifty Shades series, How to Be Single, The Social Network |
| Tattoo Count | Multiple tattoos with specific meanings |
Exploring Dakota Johnson's Tattoos
The 28-year-old has other tattoos including one of a flock of birds tattooed on her right shoulder, the phrase “Look at the moon” on her right foot, the phrase “acta non verba” (Latin for “deeds not words”) on her arm, and the word “amor” on her neck (matching one her mother has). Each tattoo tells a story, representing a part of her life or a philosophy she embraces. Dakota's choice of ink reflects her artistic side and the influences of her famous family.
Dakota also has at least two tattoos that didn’t make it into Bustle’s tally. Last year, for example, she got a flower tattoo on her arm that she described as “a little f–ked up.” And she also bears a tattoo that she and half-sister Stella Banderas got together, which Observer reports is one of the only tattoos she doesn’t regret: a white-ink design reading “Lightly my darling,” a quote from the 1962 novel Island by Aldous Huxley. These tattoos not only celebrate her individuality but also her connections with family.
Challenges Faced by the Fifty Shades Production Team
Dakota’s posterior tattoo wasn’t the only challenge for the Fifty Shades production team, though. As Seamus told the Times, there was also the actors’ modesty to consider. “Dakota had kind of a patch that went over her pubic area, and right round her whole body,” he said. “We were in the curious situation, in post-production, of adding [pubic hair]. I wouldn’t say it was one of the highlights of my career, but it certainly was one of the most surreal scenarios.” This highlights the extensive measures taken to ensure that every scene is both tasteful and visually appealing.
Well, that’s Hollywood, folks! The behind-the-scenes realities of film productions can often be surprising. From body doubles to digital edits, the complexities involved reveal a lot about the lengths filmmakers go to create the perfect cinematic experience. The industry continuously evolves, and so do the techniques used to tell stories on screen.
