50 Shades of Grey Casting: Charlie Hunnam and Dakota Johnson?

(Left: Charlie Hunnam, Right: Dakota Johnson)

50 Shades of Grey is an erotic romance novel released in 2011 by British author E.L. James. The novel follows the explicit relationship between college student Anastasia Steele and business magnate Christian Grey. The book is known for it's 'S&M' based sexual content.

After selling over 70 million copies worldwide and surpassing Harry Potter for the fastest selling paperback, word of a film adaptation was confirmed. Since the book has made such an incredible impact on the world, it is natural that fans of the book would be especially concerned with the casting.

This was definitely the case as fans were outraged to discover the two star actors for the film, Charlie Hunnam as Christian Grey and Dakota Johnson as Anastasia Steele. Two polls from Access Hollywood highlight how fans currently feel about the pair. Please note that these statistics were recorded on 9/5/2013 and are subject to change.

Charlie Hunnam:
Perfect: 38%
Not quite right: 62%

Dakota Johnson:
Perfect: 22%
Not quite right: 78%

Fans have been so furious and persistent about the cast chosen, they have even launched a petition on Change.org with over 57 thousand signatures to have the main cast changed to Matt Bomber and Alexis Bledel.

(Left: Matt Bomer, Right: Alexis Bledel)

The creator of the petition, @dontouchmypatch, states, "WE WANT AND DESERVE TO BE HEARD... WE ARE THE CRITICAL. WE DESERVE RESPECT." (Sept. 4th/2013), despite the fact that Matt Bomer has already commented on the filmmakers choices, stating “I’m so grateful for the fans and touched”. Matt also adds, “I’m looking forward to seeing the movie with Charlie and Dakota.” There has been no report of Alexis commenting on the casting or petition. 

Additionally, Twitter has erupted with angry fans tweeting about the casting. One user, @kelsbx0 states, "Idk who dakota whatever is, but she is NOT an acceptable person to play Anastasia Steele though #50ShadesOfGrey #Disappointed". Others feel similarly about Charlie Hunnam, tweeting "#WhatPissesMeOff the actors they chose for #50ShadesOfGrey I feel like it just ruined the movie. #HighExpectations" (@AshleyCrosby1). Lastly, some fans just hate both actors, stating "Whoever cast #50ShadesOfGrey ...terrible choice for Christian Grey totally disappointed with that" (@JessLincourt)

How do you feel about Charlie Hunnam and Dakota Johnson taking the lead roles? Will you be signing the petition for Matt Bomer and Alexis Bledel to take over? As an end note, I must add that Robert Pattinson was the author's first choice for Christian Grey as they are avid Twi-hards; be thankful for what you got! 

Leave a comment down below and let me know how you feel! Like always- thanks so much for reading, and have a wonderful day!

Kaylee Slater,
Divine No.7

I do not own the photographs presented in this article, and do not have any claims on them whatsoever. Charlie Hunnam and Dakota Johnson photographs were borrowed from Fanpop.com & Goldderby.com, and Matt Bomer and Alexis Bledel photographs were borrowed from Ungthesteeple.com & Justjared.com.