There has been fevered speculation about who would play Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey since before the cinematic adaptation of bafflingly popular ‘erotic’ novel Fifty Shades of Grey was even confirmed. Robert Pattinson, Emma Watson, Garrett Hedlund and Alexis Bledel were among the most frequently rumoured potential cast members, while there was a particularly vocal fan campaign for Michael Fassbender to take the role of Christian - a campaign based purely on his acting skills, we’re sure.
Now, author E.L. James has ended the speculation and announced the two leads for the forthcoming film (you might notice several thousand more retweets and favourites for the Christian announcement, which we'd suggest is a handy illustration of the Fifty Shades fan demographics):
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
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
It will be one of the first major roles for Johnson, the daughter of actors Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith. She has previously enjoyed supporting roles in films like The Social Network and The Five-Year Engagement, as well as one of the two leads in swiftly-cancelled sitcom Ben and Kate.
Hunnam, meanwhile, has been enjoying a higher profile recently after playing the lead in blockbuster Pacific Rim. The English actor remains best known for his ongoing work on TV show Sons of Anarchy, where he plays the lead role of Jax Teller.
Fifty Shades of Grey will be directed by Sam Taylor-Wood (Nowhere Boy), who was chosen over the better-known likes of Gus Van Sant, Angelina Jolie and Joe Wright. The film is due out in August 2014.
