After months of speculation, rumors, heated debates about who should be cast, and scores of fan-made trailers, the stars of the movie adaptation of 50 Shades of Grey have finally been chosen. USA Today reported that E.L. James announced, via a series of tweets on the morning of September 2, that Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy, Pacific Rim) would play the role of Christian Grey, the sexy, troubled billionaire with dark habits but a heart of gold, and Dakota Johnson (Ben and Kate) would play the shy, inexperienced but beautiful Anastasia Steele. The passionate Twitter reactions to the news came in a swift flurry of mixed opinions. As fans expressed enthusiasm or disappointment that favorites such as Ian Somerhalder, Matt Bomer and Alexis Bledel were not selected, celebrities also weighed in on the long-anticipated decision.
Here’s the best celebrity Twitter reactions to the announcement that Hunnam and Johnson would star in the film, set to hit theaters August of 2014.
These stars showed their support for the chosen ones:
Rainn Wilson
Congrats to Charlie Hunnam on the 50 Shades of Grey role. It was a tough fight but the actor with the longer hair won. #bummed
— RainnWilson (@rainnwilson) September 2, 2013
Robert Kazinsky
I don't think I've worked with a harder working or more humble actor than Charlie Hunnam, he will be great as Christian grey.
— Robert Kazinsky (@RobertKazinsky) September 2, 2013
Ireland Baldwin
50 Shades of down for Charlie Hunnam
— ireland (@IrelandBBaldwin) September 2, 2013
Melanie Griffith
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
Does she realize this means she’ll see her daughter have ultra-kinky sex that borders on abuse? Talk about an open mother-daughter relationship.
Garcelle Beauvais shared her mixed reaction to the decision:
I didn't get it, but this pic makes it more believable @EricaDiamond: Charlie Hunnam. Christian Grey. #FiftyShades pic.twitter.com/tDGPHayo4Y
— garcelleb (@GarcelleB) September 2, 2013
These stars expressed their disappointment in not nabbing the role themselves:
Lena Dunham
I lost the role in 50 Shades of Grey so you won't be hearing from me for awhile
— Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) September 2, 2013
Josh Gad
Really happy for Charlie Hunnam getting 50 Shades lead, but bummed because I came thisclose. Now I have to return all that used leather.
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) September 2, 2013
Nathan Bransford was more excited about another casting decision for the movie
Can't handle the suspense wondering which helicopter is going to play Charlie Tango in 50 Shades of Grey.
— Nathan Bransford (@NathanBransford) September 2, 2013
These actors joked about 50 Shades of Grey in general:
Zach Braff
"50 Shades of Grey": the classy way to masturbate.
— Zach Braff (@zachbraff) September 2, 2013
Paul Rust
50 SHADES OF GREY movie will be a throwback to those 80s erotic thrillers when audiences of strangers liked to get aroused together. Weirdos
— Paul Rust (@paulrust) September 2, 2013
In response to all the feedback from stars and other fans alike—both negative and positive— author E.L. James tweeted this:
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
Image: Twitpic