Author E.L. James
E.L. James, author of "Fifty Shades of Grey," conducts a book-signing event in London, Sept. 6, 2012. Reuters/Neil Hall

Like it or not, “Fifty Shades of Grey” fans, Charlie Hunnam will be Christian Grey in the movie adaptation of E.L. James’ best-selling series, and Melanie Griffith’s daughter Dakota Johnson will play Anastasia Steele in the film version of the erotic novel. The “Fifty Shades” team received widespread backlash for choosing two blond actors who look nothing like the fans' images of the Seattle couple, but the team is telling everyone to get over it: There’s a lot more that goes into casting for a movie than just looks. Ouch, this makes some “Fifty Shades” fans seem a little shallow.

While the British author must have been thrilled to announce the news on Twitter, before long she had to take to her social media account to address near-universal disappointment among her fans. “To all the supporters, lovers and haters - thank you so much for the passion that you have for this project,” she said Monday. “You all rock. All of you.”

The celebrity author has humble beginnings as a "Twilight" fan fiction writer, so she can no doubt identify with her fans' reaction, but not everyone on the “Fifty Shades” team was as gracious as James.

The sadomasochistic film’s producer Dana Brunetti also sounded off on Twitter after the negative comments about their choice for Grey and Steele began to pour in. "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.,” he chimed in on Monday. “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.” Then he added, “"Thx to all the fans of @E_L_James FSOG for their overwhelming support of the casting choices. @MichaelDe_Luca &I can't wait to start filming."

Speaking of chemistry, DeLuca, another one of the film’s producers, shared with the Twitterverse his excitement to start filming with the movie’s leads: “Auditions were stunning, incredible chemistry!”

Even though Hunnam, 33, and Johnson, 23, aren’t who fans wanted to see, the people behind the film seem confident in their choices. The film is set to debut in theaters on Aug. 1, 2014, and its trailer is rumored to premiere on Super Bowl Sunday, according to The Wrap via Metro.co.uk.

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