Dakota Johnson’s rekindled relationship with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin has reportedly sparked concern among those closest to her, with sources claiming it could be hindering her Hollywood comeback after the critical failure of Madame Web.
Friends of the actress, 35, allege that Martin, 48, keeps her “cooped up” in his Malibu home when he’s not touring, leaving her disconnected from industry events and networking opportunities.
Insiders told Radar Online that Dakota is often kept out of the Hollywood loop, and that her recent career slump is partly due to the time she spends away from the public eye.
When Chris isn’t performing, he reportedly prefers to have Dakota by his side at all times. A source said their relationship often feels like isolation for her, which might work for someone like Chris who has been in the spotlight for over 25 years, but not for an actress trying to build momentum.
Hollywood career stalled after ‘Madame Web’ flop
The source emphasized that Dakota’s controversial 2024 film, Madame Web, which bombed both critically and commercially, should have served as a wake-up call for her to reconnect with filmmakers and attend high-profile events. Instead, she has stayed under the radar.
Friends believe Dakota has the potential to be one of Hollywood’s biggest female stars, but say her current lifestyle with Martin is shrinking her career path. She should be circulating among creatives, not spending most of her time away from the spotlight, they insist.
“She needs to be out there meeting new directors, producers, and collaborators,” said one insider. “Instead, she’s been taken off the board.”
Romance timeline and past split rumors
Johnson and Martin were first romantically linked in 2017. Reports of a quiet engagement emerged in 2020, but the couple has maintained a relatively private relationship.
Breakup rumors surfaced last year, though a rep for Johnson quickly denied them, stating they were still “happily together.”
Despite their long-standing bond, not everyone is rooting for the relationship. One source said Chris’s wealth and charm are not helping Dakota win over her industry peers at a time when she needs the town behind her.
“Chris may be handsome and worth hundreds of millions, but it’s not earning Dakota any sympathy,” the source added. “She needs allies now more than ever.”
For now, Johnson remains with Martin—but sources close to her continue to question whether love is coming at the cost of career.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.