Did Dakota Johnson beat out Lucy Hale for the role of Anastasia Steele in the upcoming movie "Fifty Shades of Grey?" The 24-year-old "Pretty Little Liars" actress told US Weekly (via Hollywood Life) that she "auditioned for "Fifty Shades of Grey" but didn't say what role it was.
Before the final casting was announced, it was rumored that Hale was up for the role of Ana, the shy, college student who is seduced by Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan).
In 2012, Hale told MTV that she had started reading the erotic novels and was aware that her name was being tossed around by fans.
"People have said that, but people have also said [I could play] the little sister, which I think could make sense, because I look a little young for Ana, but God, what a big role to take on," she said. "I'm really curious to see how it's all going to [pay out]."
At the time, she also told MTV that any involvement in the film would definitely take her career in a new direction and she was ready for that.
"I definitely am ready to take a step up and do something a bit more risky, absolutely, but it's a fine line," she told MTV. "I don't know what that fine line is, but I'm definitely ready to explore a darker side of my acting abilities."
In related news, ex-Christian Grey, Charlie Hunnam, recently did an interview and talked about his decision to drop out of the project saying that it was a "heartbreaking" decision.
"I felt like I had an interesting take on that character and felt like I could have done a good job of playing Christian Grey, otherwise I wouldn't have taken it on in the first place," Hunnam told Life & Style magazine.
"When you put the time into something like that and a character comes alive in your mind, it's heartbreaking not to be able to play him," he added. "It was definitely kind of heartbreaking having to say goodbye to that character and not bring it to life."
Hunnam was eventually replaced by Dornan. Back in October, the "Sons of Anarchy" star told E! News that "family stuff" was to blame for his abrupt departure. He also released a joint statement with Universal Pictures.
"The filmmakers of 'Fifty Shades of Grey' and Charlie Hunnam have agreed to find another male lead given Hunnam's immersive TV schedule which is not allowing him time to adequately prepare for the role of Christian Grey," the statement read.
Despite backing out, Hunnam did say that he still plans on going to see the movie.
"If they invite me to the premiere, I will go and see it there," he said. "If not, I'll go and buy some tickets on opening night."
"Fifty Shades of Grey" is scheduled to be released Valentine's Day weekend 2015.
