The 33-year-old British actor - Charlie Hunnam will play Christian Grey in the film version of erotic best-seller Fifty Shades of Grey. He joins Dakota Johnson, who will star opposite him as Anastasia Steele.
The books have been translated into 50 languages, and sold over 70 million copies worldwide in ebook and print, making it one of the fastest-selling book series ever.
The book's author E. L. James said on Twitter, "I am delighted to let you know that the lovely Dakota Johnson has agreed to be our Anastasia in the film adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey." A few minutes later, the novelist added: "The gorgeous and talented Charlie Hunnam will be Christian Grey in the film adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey."
She also confirmed the casting in statements on her website.
The casting of the movie, to be directed by British filmmaker and artist Sam Taylor-Johnson of Nowhere Boy fame, has been one of the most hotly anticipated secrets in Hollywood.
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The film, which will be released by Focus Features on August 1, 2014 in North America.
Charlie Hunnam currently stars as a regular on the critically acclaimed FX series Sons of Anarchy. His feature film credits include Pacific Rim, Children of Men, Cold Mountain, and Nicholas Nickleby.
Universal and Focus acquired the rights to the three books in the "Fifty Shades of Grey" trilogy in March 2012. Focus Features will market and distribute the first film in partnership with Universal.
"Fifty Shades of Grey" follows the relationship of 27-year-old billionaire Christian Grey and college student Anastasia Steele. Subsequent novels in the series, "Fifty Shades Darker" and "Fifty Shades Freed," explore the couple’s deepening relationship.
