Today marks the first time actors Dakota Johnson and Alexander Skarsgård have worked together on a project. “I’ve known Dakota for over 10 years,” Skarsgård tells me, calling in from the set of Murderbot season two in Madrid, Spain. “But this was the first time we got to work together. I absolutely adore her.” It took one of fashion’s brightest minds—Valentino creative director Alessandro Michele—to bring them together. Well, that, plus a moving vehicle. And maybe the desert too. It’s all for their first collaboration as the faces of the revived Valentino Vendetta fragrances. A few images from the campaign, shot by Inez & Vinoodh, were released today, with a film coming later this summer (the steamy and exciting plot is still under wraps, except for what the two reveal below).

“Alexander is very funny,” Johnson says of her co-star. “In the fragrance film, there’s no dialogue, but he was still so fun to work with. Calm and up for anything.”

That chemistry created a free-spirited atmosphere on set. Johnson describes the Vendetta campaign and upcoming film as “a glimpse into a relationship that seems quite intense and fiery.” But the known jokester also made time to have fun with her co-star between scenes. “We shot it in the countryside, so there wasn’t much exploring to do. But Alexander was always wearing this little skinny scarf on set, like a blazer with no shirt underneath. So I started calling him Alexander Scarfsgård.”

Skarsgård’s connection to the Vendetta fragrance actually started 35 years ago with an original bottle of the scent. “I have strong memories of putting on way too much of it before every school dance when I was younger,” he laughs. The new Valentino Uomo scent includes notes that the grown-up Skarsgård also enjoys: ginger, cinnamon liquor, and patchouli. The Donna version of Vendetta centers on a flower that has always been one of Johnson’s favorites—the heady white tuberose, mixed with red orange and sandalwood. “My favorite thing about it is that it’s intoxicating but still soft.”

While the tease of the upcoming film is far from vanilla (in both scent and mood), Skarsgård says his personal approach to fragrance is more on the conservative side. “I use fragrance regularly, but very lightly. It’s nice when it blends with your natural scent instead of overpowering it. I learned that lesson about overpowering the hard way after dousing myself in Vendetta throughout the ’90s.”

And while this was their first project together, both Johnson and Skarsgård agree they don’t want it to be their last. But Skarsgård has one request: maybe no cars next time.

“Dakota drives like a Formula One driver,” he says. “There’s a scene where we’re flying down a dirt road, and what you don’t see in that scene is that I’m basically peeing my very fancy Valentino trousers because of her driving.” Hopefully, that makes it into the extended cut.

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Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about Dakota Johnson and Alexander Skarsgrds new collaboration written in a natural conversational tone

General Questions

1 What is this new project with Dakota Johnson and Alexander Skarsgrd
Its a new movie called The Lost Daughter They star alongside Olivia Colman and the film is directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal

2 Is this a romantic movie
Not really Its a psychological drama about a womans complicated feelings about motherhood Their scenes together are intense and emotionally charged but its not a typical love story

3 Why are they calling it an intense collaboration
The characters they play have a very raw uncomfortable and confrontational relationship Both actors have said the scenes required them to go to some very dark emotional places which made the work feel intense

BehindtheScenes Acting Questions

4 How did they prepare for such heavy scenes
Dakota and Alexander have both mentioned that they trusted each other completely They rehearsed a lot and talked through the scenes beforehand but they also allowed for spontaneity on set to keep it feeling real

5 Did they have any trouble filming together
No theyve actually said the opposite They felt a lot of safety and respect on set The intensity came from the material not from any personal conflict They describe it as a very professional and collaborative experience

6 What was the hardest scene to film
Neither has pointed to one specific scene but they both agree that the emotional toll was the hardest part The movie deals with guilt regret and secrets so they had to stay in a heavy mindset for long periods

Practical Tips Insights

7 If I want to watch this movie what should I expect
Expect a slowburn characterdriven drama Its not a fastpaced thriller Be ready for uncomfortable conversations and a focus on internal conflict rather than big action

8 Is this movie for everyone
Probably not Its best for people who enjoy complex morally grey characters and films that explore difficult themes like motherhood identity and selfishness If you prefer lighthearted or straightforward stories this might not be for you

9 Do I need to see any other movies first
No