The Unlikely Love Triangle: 5 Shocking Details About Dakota Johnson And Pedro Pascal's New Film And Close Friendship

The internet is currently buzzing with the dynamic pairing of Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal, two of Hollywood’s most beloved stars, who have teamed up for the highly-anticipated 2025 romantic comedy-drama, Materialists. This collaboration has not only sparked intense on-screen curiosity but also revealed a surprisingly deep and playful off-screen friendship that has fans—and the media—captivated. The film, directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Celine Song, is set to be a major cultural moment, but the real story lies in the chaotic, close bond between its leading actors, a relationship that has evolved from a frosty first meeting to one of mutual "love," as Pascal himself has described it.

As of December 18, 2025, the promotional cycle for Materialists is in full swing, with recent interviews and magazine features giving us fresh insights into the film’s unique take on modern dating and the actors' electric chemistry. Prepare for a deep dive into their biographies, the intriguing plot of their new movie, and the surprising details of their personal connection that have fueled a flurry of dating rumors—all of which Johnson has recently and firmly shut down.

Complete Biography and Career Profile: Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal

To fully appreciate the star power behind Materialists, it is essential to understand the illustrious, and sometimes tumultuous, paths that brought these two actors together.

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Dakota Mayi Johnson

• Born: October 4, 1989, in Austin, Texas, U.S.
• Parents: Daughter of actors Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith. Her maternal grandmother is actress Tippi Hedren.
• Notable Breakthrough: Gained international fame for her role as Anastasia Steele in the *Fifty Shades* film series (2015–2018).
• Recent Works: *Madame Web* (2024), *Cha Cha Real Smooth* (2022), and her production work through her company, TeaTime Pictures.
• Accolades: Has received a nomination for a British Academy Film Award.

José Pedro Balmaceda Pascal (Pedro Pascal)

• Born: April 2, 1975, in Santiago, Chile. He is a Chilean-American actor.
• Parents: His mother, Verónica Pascal, was a child psychologist, and his father, José Balmaceda, was a doctor.
• Notable Breakthroughs: Achieved widespread recognition for his role as Oberyn Martell in the HBO series *Game of Thrones* and later as Javier Peña in *Narcos*.
• Recent Works: Cemented his status as a global superstar with lead roles in *The Mandalorian* and the critically acclaimed *The Last of Us*.
• Upcoming Projects: He is set to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Reed Richards in *Avengers: Secret Wars*.

"Materialists": The 2025 Rom-Com That Interrogates Modern Love

The core of the Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal buzz is their new film, Materialists, a romantic comedy-drama that promises to be anything but a typical rom-com. Written and directed by Celine Song, the acclaimed filmmaker behind the Oscar-nominated *Past Lives*, the movie aims to "interrogate" the genre by exploring the complexities and transactional nature of modern dating.

The film centers on Lucy (Dakota Johnson), a successful matchmaker working for a high-end company called Adore. Her professional life—finding perfect matches based on material criteria—clashes with her personal one, which is thrown into chaos by a compelling love triangle.

The Love Triangle: Lucy, Harry, and John

In a plot twist that has all the hallmarks of a great dramatic setup, Lucy finds herself torn between two very different men:

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• Harry (Pedro Pascal): Pascal’s character, Harry, is the third point of the triangle. While specific details of his role are guarded, his interaction with Johnson's Lucy is expected to be a highlight, given their natural chemistry.
• John (Chris Evans): The third major star, Chris Evans, plays John. The film explores the dynamic between all three, focusing on insecurities and the often-materialistic aspects of contemporary relationships.

The film, which had its premiere and is slated for a June 13, 2025 theatrical release, has already generated significant critical discussion about its exploration of whether love can truly be "bought" or perfectly matched.

From 'Not Nice' to 'Best Friends': Inside Their Off-Screen Dynamic

The most fascinating element of the Materialists press tour is the genuine, yet hilariously complicated, friendship between Johnson and Pascal. Their public appearances have been filled with banter, mutual admiration, and a level of comfort that is rare in Hollywood co-stars.

The 'Flirting Up a Storm' Rumors

Following Dakota Johnson's alleged breakup from her long-time relationship with Chris Martin, sources claimed she was "flirting up a storm" with various men, including her co-star, Pedro Pascal. This immediately fueled speculation that the on-screen romance might have spilled over into real life.

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However, Johnson was quick to address and dismiss these dating rumors during the film's promotional events, clarifying that she and Pascal are simply "really close." In a rapid-fire question-and-answer session, Johnson even referred to Pedro Pascal as her "best friend," a testament to their strong bond.

The Rocky Start and Mutual 'Love'

Their friendship, however, didn't start smoothly. In a revealing joint interview for ELLE UK in May 2025, Pedro Pascal admitted that Dakota Johnson was "not nice" to him at first. This initial tension, however, seems to have been the foundation for their deep connection.

During the same interview, which Pascal conducted with Johnson, he spoke of his "love" for her, underscoring the profound respect and affection they have for each other as friends and collaborators. This candid discussion about love and their nomadic lives as actors has only intensified the public's interest in their relationship.

The Topical Authority: Why This Pairing Matters

The collaboration between Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal is more than just a casting coup; it's a significant moment for contemporary cinema and celebrity culture. Pascal, fresh off the massive success of *The Last of Us*, and Johnson, consistently working on indie and high-profile projects, bring two distinct, powerful fan bases together. Their film, *Materialists*, is positioned to be a major cultural talking point, leveraging the star power of three major actors (including Chris Evans) and the critical weight of director Celine Song, whose work is known for its wistfully melancholic and deeply human themes.

The success of the film hinges not only on the script but on the palpable chemistry between Johnson's Lucy, Pascal's Harry, and Evans' John. Their ability to translate a complex, modern love triangle into something relatable and compelling is what will ultimately determine if *Materialists* can truly "rethink the rom-com" as its creators intend. The off-screen narrative of their close friendship and the playful 'will they/won't they' rumors have perfectly set the stage for one of the most anticipated movie releases of 2025.