Two little-known actors suddenly found themselves bound for “Fifty Shades” stardom yesterday.
Hunky “Sons of Anarchy” star Charlie Hunnam and Dakota Johnson — the daughter of Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith — were cast for the big-screen version of E.L. James’ kinky mega seller.
Hunnam will play the BDSM-loving Christian Grey, while Johnson will be his submissive love interest, Anastasia Steele.
“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,’ ” tweeted James, who has sold more than 70 million copies of her sexy books.
“The gorgeous and talented Charlie Hunnam will be Christian Grey in the film adaptation of ‘Fifty Shades of Grey.’ ”
James had barely touched the return key on her computer, when moviegoers and “Fifty Shades” fans drowned the Twittersphere”Ž in snarky put-downs.
One tweeting fan flogged the casting: “Dakota Johnson and Charlie Hunnam cast as sexy leads in ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ . . . and who are these people?”
Or as another moviegoer put it: “Didn’t even read ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ and I’m disappointed in the casting.”
James said she’s excited for the “Fifty” adaptation slated to hit big screens Aug. 1, 2014.
“To all the supporters, lovers and haters — thank you so much for the passion that you have for this project,” James tweeted. “You all rock. All of you.”
Even in the face of fan backlash, movie analyst Jeff Bock said the 33-year-old Hunnam’s muscle-bound good looks made him a strong choice for Grey.
“They cast exactly what they needed for the male lead — someone that females will lust for, and plop down $10 to $12 to see for 60 to 90 minutes,” said Bock, analyst for the industry-tracking firm Exhibitor Relations.
Bock was less sure about Johnson’s selection to play the wide-eyed Anastasia, who embarks on a great sexual awakening in “Fifty Shades.”
The 23-year-old Johnson is probably best known for her portrayal of a single mom in Fox’s comedy “Ben and Kate.” The sitcom lasted for 16 episodes before it was canceled this past January.
She’s the daughter of “Miami Vice” icon Johnson and “Working Girl” star Griffith, and the granddaughter of “The Birds” actress Tippi Hedren.
“There were probably a lot of young, or younger, up-and-coming actresses that could have filled this part,” Bock said.
“You want someone who is very young with an almost Lolita-esque appearance. That’s how you imagined her [Anastasia] to be.”