The eagerly-anticipated Fifty Shades Of Grey film has finally cast its lead actor and actress.
Brit EL James, author of the trilogy of erotic novels tracing the sexual relationship between college graduate Anastasia Steele and businessman Christian Grey, used Twitter to share the news.
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
Johnson, 23, is the daughter of Hollywood actors Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith. She’s probably best known for her role in short-lived US sitcom Ben And Kate, which was axed earlier this year.
After teasing her followers with a follow-up tweet saying “So… Christian…”, James then posted:
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
British actor Hunnam, 33, rose to fame in classic British TV series Queer As Folk and now stars in hit US biker drama Sons Of Anarchy. He also appeared in sci-fi film Pacific Rim which came out last month (July).
The casting of Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey had been the subject of endless speculation ever since James sold the screen rights to Fifty Shades Of Grey in March 2012. Emma Watson and Mila Kunis were once considered frontrunners to play Steele, while Robert Pattinson, Henry Cavill and Ian Somerhalder had all been tipped for the part of Christian.
Another Brit, Nowhere Boy‘s Sam Taylor-Wood, is on board as director and the Fifty Shades Of Grey film is set to open in US cinemas on August 1, 2014. The UK release date has yet to be confirmed.