‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ casting sees fifty shades of backlash

‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ casting sees fifty shades of backlash

Since it was revealed over the weekend that Charlie Hunnam and Dakota Johnson landed the lead roles in the film adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey, passionate fans have been in a fury, directing rage-filled tweets at author E L James and film producer Dana Brunetti and starting a petition lobbying for White Collar star Matt Bomer and Mad Men‘s Alexis Bledel to replace the duo as Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele.

Brunetti tried reasoning with the angry mob, retweeting hateful messages and explaining how the casting process really works.

“There’s a lot that goes into casting that isn’t just looks,” Brunetti wrote. “Talent, availability, their desire to do it, chemistry with other actors 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.”

James, meanwhile, kept things diplomatic: “To all the supporters, lovers and haters — thank you so much for the passion you have for this project. You all rock. All of you,” she tweeted.

As of press time, the petition had more than 7,600 supporters and was aiming for 10,000. A message on Change.org explains: “All readers believe Matt [Bomer] is Christian. It would be a dream to see him in the movie.”

But some fans are onboard with the casting news: EW’s Samantha Highfill defends Hunnam’s casting here.

Fifty Shades of Grey is the first book in the erotic trilogy, and the film adaptation will be directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson and is due in theaters August 1, 2014.

So, PopWatchers, what do you think? Are you happy with Dakota and Charlie, or do you want to make your way over to that petition?