50 Shades Of Grey Movie: Charlie Hunnam And Dakota Johnson Have 'Incredible Chemistry'

50 Shades of Grey leads Charlie Hunnam and Dakota Johnson had to do a 'chemistry read' to land the coveted roles of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele

50 Shades of Grey leads Charlie Hunnam and Dakota Johnson had to do a 'chemistry read' to land the coveted roles of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele.

The highly anticipated 50 Shades movie adaptation finally has its leads in place, with hunky Sons of Anarchy star Charlie Hunnam taking on the role of S&M-loving Christian Grey and Social Network actress Dakota Johnson playing the virginal, corruptible Anastasia Steele.

Since author EL James announced the casting news to her Twitter followers yesterday, reports have emerged detailling what went on behind the scenes at the most anticipated casting sessions of the year (century!), with producer Michael De Luca tweeting:

'Auditions were stunning, incredible chemistry!' about the pair of rising stars.

According to TheWrap, the actors had to do a 'chemistry read' (a filmed scene) to show producers they were the right fit for the roles, and most importantly for this film, had the power to steam up the screen. Both Charlie and Dakota had to audition for their respective roles.

TheWrap also reports that other young actresses (among them, reported contender Felicity Jones) rejected the role of Anastasia due to the amount of frontal nudity it requires. Dakota, with her modelling past and memorable hot-pants scene opposite Justin Timberlake in The Social Network, was willing to do 'whatever the role required, within reason.'

According to the publication, Charlie, who had 'tests with several actresses,' didn't want to commit to the role of Christian Grey without knowing who his co-star would be.

Since the news exploded in Twitterverse, fans have been vocal in expressing both their satisfaction - and disappointment - with the actors who will be making two of their favourite characters come to life, leading 50 Shades producer Dana Brunetti to 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.'

Author EL James also responded to the flurry of commentary, posting the following message to her fans:

'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. ♡.'

Now that the leads have been cast, the film, which will be directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, can move forward, with TheWrap reporting that the erotic movie is scheduled to land in cinemas next August, with trailers coming out in the spring.

Charlie Hunnam with handcuffs? We're so there.

Look back at all the Christian Grey contenders here:

50 Shades of Grey movie cast contenders

Is Dakota Johnson Anastasia Steele?

50 Shades producers deny Charlie Hunnam has landed the role of Christian Grey

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