Whoever thought Labor Day would be a day without labor was obviously not following the "Fifty Shades of Grey" casting story that broke yesterday. After months of anticipation, we finally -- finally -- found out who would play Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey in the upcoming movie adaptation of E.L. James's bestselling erotic novel.
Now that we know our leading man and lady -- "Pacific Rim" and "Sons of Anarchy" star Charlie Hunnam, 33, and "Ben and Kate"'s Dakota Johnson, 23 -- the fans are weighing in. Loudly. In a firestorm of venting reminiscent of the recent #Batfleck hubbub, frustrations are being aired all over Twitter. And there's even a Change.org petition to have Hunnam and Johnson replaced with Matt Bomer and Alexis Bledel.
Producer Dana Brunetti has been up in Twitter's collective face about the casting backlash (which, let's be honest, pales in comparison to what Affleck had to endure). Along with retweeting some choice nuggets of fan vitriol, he responded to the detractors:
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.
- Dana Brunetti (@DanaBrunetti) September 2, 2013
Author E.L. James just went ahead and thanked the haters.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.
- Dana Brunetti (@DanaBrunetti) September 2, 2013
Meanwhile, Johnson's famous mom, Melanie Griffith, is super psyched about her daughter's sexy new role.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. ♡
- E L James (@E_L_James) September 2, 2013
Not one to be left out of anything "Fifty Shades"-related, Bret Easton Ellis also weighed in on the casting news.My beautiful child Dakota has been chosen to play Anna Steele in 50 Shades!!! Look out world! Here she comes!!! #proudmama
- Melanie Griffith (@MelanieGriffith) September 2, 2013
Talked to E.L. James at a party over the summer: her first choice for Christian was Rob Pattinson and Matt Bomer was never in the running.
- Bret Easton Ellis (@BretEastonEllis) September 2, 2013
E.L. James and I were at Rob Pattinson's house when she admitted that Rob was first choice for Christian. Ian Somerhalder never in running.
- Bret Easton Ellis (@BretEastonEllis) September 2, 2013
(Sounds like a pretty great party, by the way.)When E.L. James asked me who I thought should be Christian I said "James Deen, of course" and then she shoved me. We were both very wasted.
- Bret Easton Ellis (@BretEastonEllis) September 2, 2013
Despite the mixed emotions stirred up by the casting news, the "Fifty Shades of Grey" movie, from director Sam Taylor-Johnson and screenwriter Kelly Marcel, is sure to dominate the box office when it hits theaters August 1, 2014.
