Taylor Swift‘s music video for “Patient Zero” deals with some pretty dark topics, including but not limited to uxoricide. But on set, it was one big love fest, with the pop star seemingly having a blast filming alongside bestie Dakota Johnson and cuddling up with husband Travis Kelce between takes.
In a new behind-the-scenes reel uploaded to Spotify on Tuesday (Oct. 13), fans get a deeper look at how Swift brought her vision to life with the self-directed visual while accompanied by some of her favorite people. The 14-time Grammy winner plays the ghost ex-wife of Colin Farrell’s character, who ensnares Johnson’s character in a sinister romance before she discovers that he was the one who killed Swift’s character.
The fisrt video was unveiled at the MTV VMAs, where Swift also became the most-awarded artist in the show's history.
Dakota Johnson Marvels at Her Breasts in Swimsuit Underwater Scene from Taylor Swift’s ‘Patient Zero’ Music Video.
“Water does wonderful things,” Dakota Johnson said while sharing behind-the-scenes details from Taylor Swift’s “Patient Zero” music video.
The actress, 36, was pleased with her swimsuit-clad appearance in Taylor Swift‘s “Patient Zero” music video, as she revealed on Late Night With Seth Meyers on Thursday, Oct. 1. In particular, Johnson took a moment to point out how the underwater shot flattered her breasts.
The clip received its world premiere during last night’s ceremony (Sunday September 27), shortly after Johnson presented Swift with the inaugural Artist Director Honors award. (Main Photo by Rich Polk/Billboard via Getty Images)
Taylor Swift will receive the first MTV VMA Artist Director Honors at the 2026 Video Music Awards on Sunday.
Swift has been nominated for Best Direction at the VMAs eight times, winning four Moon Persons in the category for “The Man,” All Too Well: The Short Film, “Anti-Hero,” and “Fortnight”; Swift is again nominated in the category this year for “Opalite.” Swift’s four Best Direction VMA wins holds the record, ahead of David Fincher’s three.
The singer earned nine nominations at the 2026 MTV VMAs, including for Artist of the Year, while the video for her Life of a Showgirl hit “The Fate of Ophelia” is nominated for Video of the Year, Best Pop, and numerous creative prizes.
The Snoop Dogg-hosted 2026 MTV Video Music Awards will air live Sunday from Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater on CBS, MTV, and Paramount+. Madonna, Lisa, Raye, and Shaboozey are among the confirmed VMA performers, while Nirvana will receive this year’s Video Vanguard award.
Going into the ceremony Swift is the second most nominated artist with nine nominations, behind Madonna‘s 11. Swift‘s nine nominations include artist of the year and video of the year with “The Fate of Ophelia.”
Snoop Dogg is set to host the VMAs, airing live from Los Angeles on Sunday at 7:30-9:30 p.m. ET/4:30-6:30 p.m. PT, marking the first time the awards show has taken place in the city in nearly a decade.
