Dakota Johnson Says She and Taylor Swift Work Well Together on Patient Zero Video

As Taylor Swift prepares to debut her new “Patient Zero” music video during the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday (Sept. 27), Dakota Johnson is discussing her collaboration with her longtime friend.

“Taylor and I have been friends for a really long time, and we’re very close,” Johnson stated in a Sept. 24 interview with Fan Girl Nation, which she conducted alongside her “Verity” co-star Josh Hartnett. “And we decided to work together, and it’s great.”

“Normally, I would say don’t work with your friends,” Johnson added. “But we work really well together.”

Johnson stars in the “Patient Zero” video alongside Swift and Colin Farrell. Swift directed the visual, which makes its world premiere during the VMAs on Sunday.

Swift released a 13-second teaser on Thursday revealing Johnson and Farrell as co-stars. The clip features Swift and Johnson in several scenes, including one at a gravesite, alongside appearances from Farrell.

Johnson is currently promoting the psychological thriller “Verity” with Hartnett, while her role in “Patient Zero” stems from her personal friendship with Swift.

The pair have maintained a friendship for years. Swift wrote about Johnson in an April TIME profile naming the actress one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2026, praising her frankness and candor.

“Patient Zero” serves as the first preview from The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore, which arrives Friday (Sept. 25). The music video follows two days later at the VMAs, where Swift will also receive the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors.