The producers of Fifty Shades of Grey are defending the casting of Dakota Johnson and Charlie Hunnam, which was not what you would call universally lauded.
Fantasy 50 Shades of Grey movie casting has become an online pastime for almost two years, which fans throwing out countless names and pairings.
Dakota Johnson and Charlie Hunnam? Not a common one.
A common Twitter refrain: “Who the heck are these people?”
Another fan, writing the film off before it’s even started filming, wrote: “Ok… they freaking killed it. The movie has been totally ruined. Fifty Shades will suck.”
Yet another likened the casting to Ben Affleck as Batman, calling Hunnam as Christian Grey “so wrong” and lamenting the early death of the 50 Shades film.
The backlash was so bad that the filmmakers responded.
Producer Dana Brunetti Tweeted, “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” in Fifty Shades of Grey, “then it is most likely due to something on that list. Keep that in mind while hating and keep perspective.”
Fifty Shades author E.L. James added “To all the supporters, lovers and haters … thank you so much for the passion that you have for this project.”
“You all rock. All of you.”
Good attitude from E.L., but it may not calm the mob down, especially after Bret Easton Ellis claimed her first choice for Christian was Robert Pattinson.
Other fan favorite picks included Ian Somerhalder, Alexander Skarsgard and Matt Bomer, while countless, popular Ana Steele picks went by the wayside.
In a way, this casting, and reaction, was expected.
With books, one’s idealized version of a character rarely matches what a group of producers picks. Also, they were likely to go with relative unknowns all along.
Nevertheless, to say that Hunnam and Johnson have received a lukewarm welcome from Fifty Shades Nation would be putting it as politely as possible.
Somewhere, Ben Affleck is nodding in solidarity.
What do you think? Willing to give Charlie and Dakota a chance? Or are you too irate to even consider watching at this point? Vote and sound off below!
Charlie Hunnam as Christian:
Dakota Johnson as Ana: