In 2019, the indie film The Peanut Butter Falcon captured hearts with its refreshing, feel-good narrative about overcoming adversity, finding friendship, and chasing dreams. The film follows Zack (played by Zack Gottsagen), a young man with Down syndrome, who escapes from a care facility to pursue his dream of becoming a professional wrestler. Along the way, he forms an unlikely bond with Tyler (Shia LaBeouf), a runaway fisherman, and Eleanor (Dakota Johnson), a kind-hearted caregiver. It’s a story of friendship, hope, and self-discovery—one that resonated with audiences and critics alike.
A standout feature of The Peanut Butter Falcon was its diverse and inclusive casting, particularly with the film’s central role of Eleanor, the nurturing caregiver who becomes Zack’s guide and ally. Dakota Johnson, widely known for her role in Fifty Shades of Grey, was cast to portray Eleanor, and her performance was both emotionally grounded and inspiring. However, her journey to landing the role of Eleanor was far from conventional. The process behind Dakota’s casting is as touching and impactful as the story she helped bring to life.
The Role of Dakota Johnson
Dakota Johnson’s portrayal of Eleanor is a far cry from the sultry, complex characters she is often associated with. In The Peanut Butter Falcon, Eleanor is gentle yet resilient, compassionate yet firm. She is the glue that holds together the film’s disparate characters and provides a sense of stability for Zack, who dreams of becoming a professional wrestler. As the caretaker at the facility where Zack is living, Eleanor initially appears hesitant to become personally involved in his life, but she quickly becomes a critical part of his journey.
Eleanor is an empathetic character, whose own struggles with loss and uncertainty mirror Zack’s challenges with society’s limitations placed on him. Dakota’s portrayal of Eleanor was deeply moving, as she was able to balance vulnerability with strength, making her an ideal complement to Zack’s free-spirited and adventurous nature. Their dynamic became one of the film’s most touching elements, as the film highlights not only Zack’s personal journey but Eleanor’s growth as a person as well.
What made Dakota’s performance even more impressive was how it perfectly complemented Zack Gottsagen’s portrayal of Zack, which was equally raw and authentic. Together, they formed a seamless duo that brought the film’s central theme of friendship and perseverance to life. The chemistry between the two was undeniable, and it was clear that Dakota’s commitment to the role played a major part in the film’s success. But how did Dakota land this transformative role?
Behind-the-Scenes of the Audition
Dakota Johnson’s audition process for The Peanut Butter Falcon is one of the more fascinating aspects of the film’s creation. Casting for the role of Eleanor wasn’t just about finding a skilled actress—it was about finding someone who could embody the film’s core themes of empathy, connection, and inclusivity. According to the film’s directors, Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz, Dakota’s audition stood out from the moment she stepped into the room.
Her audition wasn’t tied to a specific scene, but rather was an opportunity for Dakota to show how she could embody the spirit of the character. Her performance was emotional, subtle, and real, something that resonated deeply with the filmmakers. Dakota was not only able to convey Eleanor’s initial reluctance to get involved with Zack’s dream, but also her eventual transformation into a devoted, caring friend.
Interestingly, Dakota’s approach to Eleanor was slightly different than what the casting directors had initially envisioned. The filmmakers had envisioned a more rigid, professional portrayal of Eleanor, but Dakota brought a warmth and vulnerability to the character that added a new layer of depth to her. She was able to ground Eleanor in a way that felt organic and human—someone who could, with time, become a natural companion to Zack on his journey.
In one of her interviews, Dakota reflected on how her understanding of Eleanor grew during the audition process, particularly as she connected with the film’s larger message of friendship. “I think that, for me, Eleanor is a character who is deeply afraid of what the future holds,” she explained. “But through Zack, she learns to open her heart again. That was something I could relate to deeply—being closed off at times and learning how to open up.”
Her Connection with the Film’s Message
The themes of The Peanut Butter Falcon—friendship, perseverance, and following one’s dreams—are universal, and Dakota Johnson felt a personal connection to these ideas long before she officially joined the cast. In a candid interview, she spoke about how the film’s message resonated with her at a time when she was looking for something more meaningful in her career.
“Sometimes, in life, you have to take risks,” Dakota said. “This film really spoke to me because it’s about stepping outside of your comfort zone and following your heart, no matter what the world tells you is possible.” For Dakota, this was a deeply personal sentiment. At the time of her audition, she had been working in Hollywood for several years, but had not yet found a project that truly inspired her. The Peanut Butter Falcon offered her a chance to work on a film that celebrated the beauty of human connection and overcoming obstacles—messages she found profoundly empowering.
Dakota’s ability to connect emotionally with the material was evident in her audition, where she approached Eleanor not just as a caregiver, but as a person struggling with her own demons. Eleanor’s journey of growth mirrored Dakota’s own desire to push herself into new emotional territory, away from roles that confined her to specific stereotypes. In this sense, her decision to join the project was as much about personal growth as it was about professional ambition.
The Casting Process and Collaboration
The casting process for The Peanut Butter Falcon was more than just about picking actors for the roles—it was about finding collaborators who believed in the story’s message. From the start, directors Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz made it clear that they wanted to create a set that was inclusive, welcoming, and collaborative, where every member of the cast had a voice in shaping the story. This atmosphere of shared vision allowed Dakota to explore her character in new ways and to build a deep connection with Zack Gottsagen, who was cast as the lead.
As Dakota worked closely with Gottsagen, LaBeouf, and the rest of the cast, she found herself learning from them as much as they learned from her. In particular, Dakota was struck by Gottsagen’s authenticity and passion for the role. “Zack is such an inspiration,” she said in an interview. “He’s never let anyone tell him that his dreams aren’t possible. And he taught me so much about perseverance.”
The film’s inclusive approach extended beyond the characters to the set itself. By creating a safe and respectful environment, the filmmakers made sure that the story’s heart—its commitment to inclusivity and acceptance—was reflected in every aspect of the production. Dakota found this environment not only liberating but transformative for her own approach to acting.
The Impact of the Audition on Her Career
Landing the role of Eleanor in The Peanut Butter Falcon marked a significant turning point in Dakota Johnson’s career. Prior to the film, she had often been typecast in roles that emphasized her beauty and allure, particularly in the Fifty Shades franchise. But The Peanut Butter Falcon offered her the chance to stretch as an actress, tackling a role that was emotionally rich and nuanced, requiring a deeper connection to the material.
The film’s success helped to redefine Dakota’s public persona. She became known not just for her glamorous roles but for her ability to bring authenticity and depth to more complex characters. Critics praised her for her emotionally grounded performance, and audiences were drawn to her natural chemistry with Gottsagen. In many ways, The Peanut Butter Falcon served as a breakthrough for Dakota, signaling her ability to tackle roles that required vulnerability and a deep emotional connection to the material.
Since her role in The Peanut Butter Falcon, Dakota has continued to diversify her career, taking on roles in films like A Bigger Splash and Bad Times at the El Royale, both of which showcased her range as an actress. Her performance in The Peanut Butter Falcon remains a cornerstone of her career, reflecting her ability to take risks and challenge herself as an artist.
Conclusion
Dakota Johnson’s journey to landing the role of Eleanor in The Peanut Butter Falcon is a testament to the power of authenticity and collaboration in the casting process. Her audition, which brought an unexpected warmth and vulnerability to the character, played a crucial role in shaping the film’s success. Through her performance, she brought to life a character who was not only a caregiver but also a woman on her own path of self-discovery.
The impact of The Peanut Butter Falcon on Dakota’s career is undeniable. It marked a turning point that showcased her versatility and deepened her connection with audiences. More than just a feel-good film, The Peanut Butter Falcon is a celebration of inclusivity, friendship, and the power of following one’s dreams. Dakota’s involvement in this film continues to inspire both her career and the industry, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected roles can lead to the most profound transformations.
