Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 20, 2025 · Entertainment

Dakota Johnson Shines at Premiere with Mama Melanie Griffith: A Night of Glam and Love

Dakota Johnson, 35, brought her superstar mom Melanie Griffith, 68, to the premiere of her new film Splitsville on Tuesday

RED CARPET ROMANCE AND FAMILY DRAMA: DAKOTA JOHNSON STEALS THE SHOW AT SPLITSVILLE PREMIERE

The glamorous world of Hollywood came alive at The Grove in Los Angeles as Dakota Johnson, 35, and her superstar mom Melanie Griffith, 68, posed together on the red carpet for the premiere of their new film Splitsville. But amidst the glamour and glitz, there's a juicy family drama brewing behind the scenes.

Dakota, who recently broke up with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin after a six-year engagement, was seen wrapped in her mother's loving arms as they posed for photos at the event. The 35-year-old actress stunned in a skintight metallic gown that showcased her toned physique, while Melanie looked every inch the elegant matriarch in her cream-colored suit.

The star — who previously dubbed the scrutiny of nepo babies 'incredibly annoying and boring' — looked glamorous at the event, held at The Grove in Los Angeles

But don't be fooled by their united front – sources close to the family reveal that Mel is doing everything in her power to reunite Dakota and Chris. "She thinks they're meant to be together and isn't giving up on them," a insider tells The Scholarly Note. "She's convinced it's a huge mistake, and she needs to meet Chris halfway."

The drama between Dakota and Chris has been making headlines for months, with the two calling off their engagement in June. But despite their split, sources claim that Mel is still trying to bring them back together. We can't help but wonder – will love prevail, or is this a case of mom intervening too much?

Dakota's co-stars at the premiere were equally stylish and stunning, with Adria Arjona, 33, showcasing her toned arms in a sleeveless black gown, while Ava Phillippe, 25, commanded attention in a shimmering metallic mini-dress. And let's not forget Kyle Marvin, who stars as Carey in the film – we can't wait to see how his character's story unfolds!

While posing for the shutterbugs, she was seen with her arm sweetly wrapped around Melanie, who recently celebrated her 68th birthday

But back to Dakota and Mel – their relationship is more than just a mother-daughter bond. The two have been through thick and thin together, with Mel even helping out her daughter financially when she was struggling to make ends meet after college. "There were a few times when I'd go to the market and not have money in my bank account or not be able to pay rent," Dakota revealed in an interview last year. "And I'd have to ask my parents for help. It certainly wasn't fun."

Mel, however, has always been the nice one – unlike her ex-husband Don Johnson, 75, who infamously told his children they'd be cut off from their allowance if they didn't attend college. Dakota's dad may have wanted her to focus on her studies, but it seems he also wanted her to follow in his footsteps as a Hollywood star. And boy, did she ever!

Dakota made her big-screen debut at just nine years old in Mel's ex-husband Antonio Banderas' dismally-reviewed film Crazy in Alabama (1999). But it was her breakout role in the Fifty Shades trilogy that really put her on the map – and proved to critics that nepo babies are not all hype.

The dynamic mother daughter duo shared a tender look

Speaking of which, Dakota has been vocal about the "nepo baby" scrutiny she faced last year. "If you're a journalist, write about something else," she scoffed. "That's just lame." But it seems her mom Mel is still trying to help her navigate the complex world of Hollywood fame.

As for Chris Martin – well, let's just say he's been spotted with actress Kate Hudson and former NFL quarterback Tom Brady in Ibiza this summer, sparking rumors that he's moved on from Dakota. But will love ultimately conquer all? Only time (and possibly Mel's meddling) will tell!

SPLITSVILLE: THE MOVIE

Dakota wowed in a skintight sleeveless metallic gown

The film's plot revolves around two couples and the drama that erupts in their lives and friendships. And with a star-studded cast, including Adria Arjona, Kyle Marvin, and Ava Phillippe, we can't wait to see how it all unfolds! Splitsville hits theaters on August 22 – mark your calendars!

Dakota's Rise to Fame

It's hard to believe that Dakota Johnson was once a struggling actress trying to make ends meet. But with her famous name and talent, she quickly rose through the ranks to become one of Hollywood's most sought-after stars.

She accessorized with dangling earrings and a silver bracelet, and wore her dark tresses in a straight style

At just 18, Dakota signed with IMG for modeling and two years later landed an acting contract with the William Morris Agency. She made her big-screen debut at nine in Crazy in Alabama (1999), but it was her breakout role in Fifty Shades that really put her on the map.

Mel's Family Drama

As we mentioned earlier, Mel is trying to reunite Dakota and Chris Martin after their six-year engagement ended in June. But what about her own family drama? Mel has four children from her three marriages: son Alexander, 39; daughter Stella, 28; step-son Jesse, 42; and daughter Dakota.

Melanie — who shares Dakota with actor Don Johnson, 75 — opted for a classy cream suit for the occasion

Sources close to the family reveal that Mel is still trying to bring her daughter back together with Chris – but at what cost? Is this a case of mom intervening too much, or will love ultimately prevail?

The Bottom Line

Dakota Johnson's rise to fame has been nothing short of meteoric. From struggling actress to Hollywood starlet, she's conquered the red carpet and stolen hearts with her talent and charm.

While at the premiere Dakota also posed with co-star Adria Arjona, 33, who showed off her toned arms in a sleeveless black gown

But behind the glamour and glitz lies a complex web of family drama and relationships that threaten to upend everything. Will love prevail, or will Mel's meddling tear them apart? Only time (and possibly The Scholarly Note) will tell!

Adria wore her raven hair in a slicked back updo

Adria added more sparkle to her look with gold earrings

Melanie laughed it up with director Michael Angelo Covino

Reese Witherspoon's and Ryan Phillippe's daughter Ava Phillippe, 25, commanded attention in a shimmering metallic mini-dress

Dakota shared a sweet hug with her co-star

They were also joined by Kyle Marvin, who stars as Carey in the film

Marvin sported a blue button-up shirt

The film's plot revolves around two couples and the drama that erupts in their lives and friendships

Splitsville is set to hit theaters on August 22