Antonio Banderas Shares Heartfelt Praise for Stepdaughter Dakota Johnson

Antonio Banderas has always had a special place in his heart for his stepdaughter, Dakota Johnson, and his recent comments will surely warm your heart. Over a decade after his marriage to Melanie Griffith, Dakota’s mother, ended, the bond between Antonio and Dakota remains strong. The two have maintained a close relationship, and now, Antonio is even dreaming of working together on the big screen.

A Strong Bond That Stands the Test of Time

Antonio and Melanie Griffith were married for 18 years, and during that time, Antonio developed a deep relationship with Dakota, who was just 5 years old when they tied the knot. Even after their marriage ended, Antonio’s affection for Dakota never wavered. The two have remained a loving family, and in an exclusive interview with E! News, Antonio expressed his admiration for Dakota, saying, “I would love to work with Dakota someday.” He teased the possibility of collaborating, adding, “I will search for a project, but I would love to work with her.”

Admiring Dakota’s Acting Talent

While the family connection is significant, Antonio made it clear that his desire to work with Dakota is driven by her immense talent. “It’s because she’s a good actress,” he gushed. Antonio highlighted Dakota’s versatility, explaining that she excels in comedy as well as drama. He reminisced about seeing her comedic timing on the TV show Ben and Kate, saying, “She got the rhythm of comedy.” Antonio, who directed Dakota in his 1999 film Crazy in Alabama, praised her acting skills and expressed his desire to collaborate with her, especially in the comedy genre, one day.

“I would love to do a comedy with her someday,” he said. Antonio’s words not only showcase his admiration for Dakota’s acting but also reveal the deep mutual respect they share as artist and family.

A Special Reunion in Málaga

In the summer of 2024, Antonio and Dakota shared a touching reunion in Málaga, Spain, where Antonio was directing a Spanish version of the ‘70s musical They’re Playing Our Song at his Teatro del Soho CaixaBank theater. Dakota visited Antonio during this time, and the two shared an adorable selfie that Antonio posted on Instagram. He captioned the photo, “Happiness: Dakota in Malaga!” This sweet moment further exemplifies the close bond they’ve maintained throughout the years.

Dakota Reflects on Their Relationship

Dakota has also spoken lovingly about her relationship with Antonio. In 2019, at the Hollywood Film Awards, where she presented Antonio with the Hollywood Actor Award, Dakota reflected on how fortunate she was to have Antonio in her life. “I got a bonus dad who I realized that, over time, is actually one of the most influential people in my whole life,” she shared, acknowledging the deep and lasting impact Antonio has had on her.

Looking Ahead to Future Collaboration

Both Antonio Banderas and Dakota Johnson continue to thrive in their respective careers. Antonio is currently promoting his role in the upcoming movie Paddington in Peru, set to release on Valentine’s Day 2025, while Dakota is gearing up for her role in Madame Web. As for the future, fans are hopeful that the two will one day share the screen, combining their incredible talent in what could be a memorable collaboration.