Dakota Johnson, daughter of Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson, won the coveted role of leading lady in Fifty Shades of Grey, alongside a hunk from Sons of Anarchy. INSIDE EDITION has more.
How does Melanie Griffith feel about her daughter, Dakota Johnson, being cast in the movie version of Fifty Shades Of Grey?
The proud mom tweeted: "My beautiful child Dakota has been chosen to play Anna Steele in 50 Shades!!! Look out world! Here she comes!!!"
Melanie was still gushing when INSIDE EDITION caught up with her, saying, "I'm so excited for her. I'm the proudest mom."
Twenty-three-year-old Dakota's dad is actor Don Johnson. She is best known for playing Kate in the short-lived Fox sitcom Ben and Kate. She also made a memorable impression with Justin Timberlake in the movie The Social Network. Now, she's landed the coveted role in the movie version of the book which is a huge bestseller.
Sophie Schillaci of The Hollywood Reporter told INSIDE EDITION, "Dakota Johnson kind of came out of the blue. She's kind of a fresh face, a newcomer."
Thirty-three-year-old hunk Charlie Hunnam, best known for his role in Sons of Anarchy is slated to play Christian Grey. He was tight-lipped about his big break when photographers caught up with him in Los Angeles, saying, "It's Labor Day, man. I ain't working on Labor Day and you shouldn't be either."
Reaction from fans of the book has been mixed. One fan tweeted: "Charlie Hunnam as Christian Grey in 50 SHADES OF GREY…that's so wrong!"
Schillaci said, "Naturally, when you are imagining these characters in your head, your frame of reference are these bigger stars. So, that's kind of what fans gravitate towards. They want the bigger stars, the people that they recognize, the people that they love. And then, when you bring in these kind of lesser-known stars, it's jarring for them to see this face."
The film's producers defended their choices with this tweet: "There is a lot that goes into casting that isn't just looks. Talent, availability, their desire to do it, chemistry with other actor, etc. So if your favorite wasn't cast, then it is most likely due to something on that list. Keep that in mind while hating and keep perspective."
The novel Fifty Shades of Grey is the fastest-selling paperback of all time, and has sold more than 70 million copies worldwide.
According to one report, author E.L. James' first choice to play the leading man was Twilight hunk, Robert Pattinson. Kristen Stewart, Emma Watson, and Scarlett Johansson were considered front runners for the female lead.
But author E.L. James seemed happy about the casting when she broke the news on Twitter, saying: "Hold on to your hats!"
