Matt Bomer has stated he is grateful for his fan's petition, but that he is "looking forward" to seeing Charlie Hunnam and Dakota Johnson in the Fifty Shades of Grey movie. His statement follows the backlash by some Fifty Shades fans who have petitioned for a recasting for the roles of Christian Grey and Anastasia Grey.
Matt Bomer has responded to the Fifty Shades of Grey fan's petition which calls for Bomer to replace Charlie Hunnam as Christian Grey in the upcoming film. Some fans of the bestselling series are in uproar about the casting of Hunnam and Dakota Johnson in the roles of Grey and his love interest Anastasia Steele.
Matt Bomer at the E! Upfront in New York.
The casting announcement was made on Monday (2nd September) by author E.L. James on Twitter. Certain fans were in uproar and chose to create a petition which called for the recasting of the Fifty Shades actors. To date the petition has raised over 57 000 signatures.
The fans petition, posted on Change.org, called for Bomer and Alexis Bledel (Gilmore Girls) to replace the two actors. An excerpt from the petition reads: "Matt Bomer is the PERFECT DESCRIPTION OF CHRISTIAN GREY AND ALEXIS BLEDEL IS THE PERFECT ACTRESS TO REPRESENT ANASTASIA STEELE".
Alexis Bledel at the 19th Stage Actors Guild Awards in L.A.
Bomer currently stars in White Collar, the crime drama in which he plays con-man Neal Caffrey. In an interview with ET, Bomer said "I'm so grateful for the fans and touched," but that "I'm looking forward to seeing the movie with Charlie and Dakota."
Bomer's attitude is fortunate as it seems unlikely that the casting will change, despite the outcry. Those responsible for the casting decisions have taken to Twitter to express their certainty in Hunnam and Johnson's roles. Producer, Dana Brunetti, wrote that casting is more complicated than simply considering looks.
There is a lot that goes into casting that isn't just looks. Talent, availability, their desire to do it, chemistry with other actor, etc.
— Dana Brunetti (@DanaBrunetti) September 2, 2013
Whilst others involved, including another producer Michael de Luca, stated that Hunnam and Johnson's auditions were "stunning" with "incredible chemistry". The producers were not short of actors to audition, according to some reports those considered for the roles included Garrett Hedlund (Troy) and Christian Cooke (Cemetery Junction) for Grey. Whilst Felicity Jones (Like Crazy), Alicia Vikander (Anna Karenina), Imogen Poots (Jane Eyre) and Elizabeth Olsen (Liberal Arts) were considered for Johnson's role.
Fifty Shades of Grey is due to be released on 1st August 2014.
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