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Charlie Hunnam, star of FX's Sons of Anarchy, and Dakota Johnson, a third-generation Hollywood starlet, have been cast as domineering (and tortured) billionaire Christian Grey and naive Anastasia Steele in the eagerly-anticipated film adaptation of the erotic novel, 50 Shades of Grey. Author E.L. James announced the news on Twitter:
The gorgeous and talented Charlie Hunnam will be Christian Grey in the film adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey.
— E L James 💙 (@E_L_James) September 2, 2013
I am delighted to let you know that the lovely Dakota Johnson has agreed to be our Anastasia in the film adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey.
— E L James 💙 (@E_L_James) September 2, 2013
Rumors have been rampant about the casting since it was announced the bestselling book would be turned into a movie. Fans have clamored for Ian Somerholder to star, and names like Ryan Gosling have also been mentioned (probably because he has a great body). But Hunnam's name had also popped up more recently as a contender.
Many actresses and even models have been vying to play Anastasia (including, reportedly, Shailene Woodley, Lindsay Lohan and model Cara Delevingne, but the role went to Johnson, who is daughter of Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson (and granddaughter of Tippi Hedren). Johnson was extremely charming in the recent, short-lived Fox sitcom Ben and Kate and has had small roles in The Social Network and 21 Jump Street. Deadline points out, "It is not surprising the role went to a newcomer. Nudity and erotic situations are plentiful in the book, and the movie will be no different, even though all involved are determined to get the film to an R rating."
Fans are freaking out:
@E_L_James @EverythingFifty please let Christian be someone that is hot
— Michelle Morat (@pawspastries) September 2, 2013
@annekablue @E_L_James Christian must to be beautiful no ?
— Périnette (@gossipgirlldp) September 2, 2013
The film's director is edgy British artist-director Sam Taylor-Johnson. The movie will be released next year.