Dakota Johnson and Charlie Hunnam cast in Fifty Shades of Grey

OHMYGOSSIP — Dakota Johnson has been cast as Anastasia Steele in the ’50 Shades of Grey’ film, while Charlie Hunnam will play Christian Grey in Sam Taylor-Johnson’s adaptation of E.L. James’ novel.

Dakota Johnson and Charlie Hunnam have been cast in the lead roles in the ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ film. The little-known 23-year-old actress will portray Anastasia Steele, while the 33-year-old actor will play Anastasia’s lover Christian Grey in Sam Taylor-Johnson’s adaptation of the erotic novel.

‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ author E.L. James made the announcement on her Twitter account today (02.09.13).

Her series of tweets read: “Good moaning all. Hold on to your hats … I am delighted to let you know that the lovely Dakota Johnson has agreed to be our Anastasia in the film adaptation of Fifty … So… Christian… The gorgeous and talented Charlie Hunnam will be Christian Grey in the film adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey. (sic)”

Dakota previously appeared in ‘The Social Network’ – in which she shared a love scene with Justin Timberlake – and had small roles in ’21 Jump Street’, ‘The Five-Year Engagement’ and ‘Beastly’.

She is the daughter of Don Johnson, best known for TV shows ‘Miami Vice’ and ‘Nash Bridges’, and his actress ex-wife Melanie Griffith.

It’s thought producers cast Dakota because they wanted a young, up-and-coming actress to play the role of virginal Anastasia, who embarks on an intense voyage of sexual discovery with her S&M-loving boss Christian.

British actor Charlie’s previous work includes a lead role in TV series ‘Sons of Anarchy’ and a starring part in Guillermo del Toro’s blockbuster ‘Pacific Rim’.

‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ will be produced by Universal for release in August 2014.