Dakota Johnson has a rule, and it’s a pretty common one: never mix business with friendship. But rules are made to be broken when Taylor Swift is the one asking. Johnson stars alongside Colin Farrell in Swift’s“Patient Zero”music video, which Swift also directed, and she admitted the collaboration was a rare exception she couldn’t pass up.
“It’s a decision that, normally, she wouldn’t make,”Johnson explained, noting that she and Swift have been close friends for years. The relationship apparently translated seamlessly to set, with Johnson saying the two of them work really well together. Swift built hype with a cryptic 13-second teaser that included a gravesite scene, and fans have been dissecting every frame since it dropped.
The video serves as the first look at The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore, arriving Friday, September 25, and it premieres during the 2026 MTV VMAs on Sunday, September 27. That same night, Swift will receive the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors. Meanwhile, Johnson is balancing the moment with promotion for her project Verity alongside Josh Hartnett. It’s a big week for two friends who apparently make a great team.
Would you ever break your own rule to work with a close friend? Tell us in the comments.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.