Dakota Johnson Remembers Being Called ‘Pompous’ for Shaking Hands in a Failed Audition: ‘I Just Had Manners’

**Dakota Johnson Reflects on Misunderstood Audition Experience**

In a recent interview, Dakota Johnson shared an unexpected experience from her past that left her both baffled and amused. The actress recalled a callback audition where her polite greetings were interpreted as arrogance, ultimately costing her a role in an unspecified project.

During a radio interview on Hits Radio, Johnson explained that her gesture of shaking hands and introducing herself to all the auditioners was misinterpreted by those evaluating her performance. “I went into the room and shook everyone’s hand and introduced myself,” she recounted. After completing her audition, she received feedback that suggested her polite behaviour had come across as “pompous” and “full of myself.”

The 36-year-old actress expressed her surprise at the feedback, stating, “I was like, what? I didn’t get the job because they said that I was being cocky.” It seems Johnson’s intention to display good manners was misconstrued, leading to a perplexing assessment of her conduct during the audition.

In her view, the situation is reflective of the misunderstandings that can occur in high-pressure environments like casting calls. “I just had manners,” Johnson quipped, emphasising that her intent was simply to be respectful rather than to appear boastful.

Johnson was appearing on the radio programme to promote her latest film, *Splitsville*, which recently premiered in the UK after its stateside release in September. The romantic drama-comedy, directed by Michael Angelo Covino, features Johnson alongside a talented ensemble cast, including Adria Arjona, Kyle Marvin, Nicholas Braun, David Castañeda, O-T Fagbenle, and Covino himself.

Reflecting on her role in *Splitsville*, Johnson described the appeal of portraying characters dealing with life’s complexities. “Sometimes it’s nice to play people who are deeply unhappy and messy,” she commented. “People really identify with the messiness. And it’s so funny to me… I like that people are like, ‘Ooh, I like this movie because it’s real.’”

As she continues to navigate her career in the entertainment industry, Johnson is not shying away from diverse roles. Among her upcoming projects is *Verity*, directed by Michael Showalter, which adapts Colleen Hoover’s popular novel. In this film, Johnson will star alongside renowned actors Anne Hathaway and Josh Hartnett, playing the character Lowen Ashleigh.

The experience she shared serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of auditions, where a simple act of kindness can be misconstrued. Johnson’s story resonates not just with aspiring actors, but also highlights broader themes of communication and perception in everyday interactions.

As her career progresses, Johnson remains focused on engaging with material that resonates with both her and audiences. With upcoming projects and commitments, she continues to be a prominent figure in the film industry, proving that authenticity and sincerity, even in the face of misunderstanding, remain valuable traits in her profession.

From a humorous mishap to exciting new roles, Dakota Johnson’s journey illustrates the complexities of life both on and off the screen.