Dakota Johnson, Charlie Hunnam 50 Shades of Grey Critics Howl

Charlie Hannam and Dakota Johnson have been tapped to star in ’50 Shades of Grey.’

Speculation over who would get the parts has been rife for months with a slew of actors and actresses mentioned for the controversial role.

Actors like Robert Pattinson and his “Twilight” love interest Kristen Stewart topped many lists along with other well-known actors such as Matt Bomer, Ian Somerhalder and Colin Egglesfield.

Among other stars mentioned were Emma Watson, Alex Pettyfer, Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer and Alexander Skarsgard. “Pretty Little Liars” stars Lucy Hale and Ashley Benson and Alexis Bledel and Selena Gomez were also named-dropped.

British author E.L. James revealed the choice for the much-sought-after roles today (Sept. 2).

“The gorgeous and talented Charlie Hunnam will be Christian Grey in the film adaptation of ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’,” she revealed on her website. She revealed Johnson’s name on Twitter.

But are relatively unknown actors, although Johnson has a Hollywood pedigree. She’s the daughter of actors Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith. Hunnam is a British actor who is best known in the United States for his role in the FX series “Sons of Anarchy.”

The book, “Fifty Shades of Grey,” an international best seller, probes an erotic relationship between Steele, a college student and Grey a Wall Street type, who introduces her to kinky sex.

Johnson, 23, appeared in the 2012 comedies “21 Jump Street” and “The Five-Year Engagement.” Hunnam, 33, appears in the sci-fi epic “Pacific Rim.

Critics were shocked at the choice, given that both actors are relative unknowns. They were also shocked because neither name came up during speculation over the picture’s possible casting.

“This is all kinds of wrong. Dakota looks nothing like Anastasia,” wrote on critic responding to the news. “Charlie I can live with.”

“I wish Ian Somerhalder got the role. He’s exactly who I pictured as Christian Grey,” said another according to a sampling of entertainment websites.

The parts are a coup for both actors since the book is the first in a trilogy that will also yield sequels.

“Fifty Shades” will be directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson. It hits big screens in Aug. 2014.

Check out the reaction on Twitter and follow TheImproper for the latest updates on “50 Shades of Grey.”

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