10 Actresses Better for Anastasia Steele than Dakota Johnson

In 2011, author E.L. James released the first book in a trilogy that would eventually gain international attention.  From the moment it hit shelves, 50 Shades of Grey made headlines for its sexually explicit content and graphic detail. In 2012, when the film rights to the trilogy were purchased, fans everywhere could not wait to find out who would be cast in the role of 21 year-old Anastasia Steele.  The internet quickly erupted with predictions and suggestions as to which of Hollywood’s hottest ladies would play the part. However, when relatively unknown actress, Dakota Johnson, was cast in the role, many predictions proved to be wrong.  Although Johnson has certainly proven to be deserving of the role; here are 10 actress better for Anastasia Steele than Dakota Johnson.

10. Lucy Hale

Lucy Hale is best-known for her role as Aria Montgomery on the popular ABC Family, Pretty Little Liars.  Although fans are used to seeing her as a tough-nosed high school student who will stop at nothing to uncover a mystery, her good looks and on-screen confidence would have made her a very believable Anastasia Steele.  However, Hale, who actually did audition for the role, expressed extreme discomfort while reading for the part.  She stated: “That audition was so uncomfortable! It’s exactly what you thought it would be: a big monologue but very, very sexual. There were some things that I was so embarrassed to be reading out loud…”

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9. Sophia Bush

Sophia Bush’s career has caught a second wind thanks to her starring role in the successful cop-drama, Chicago P.D.   Bush seems to have the perfect combination of good looks and toughness, and many fans felt that she would have been perfect for the part of Anastasia Steele.

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8. Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence, best-known for her role as The Hunger Games‘ unstoppable leading lady, Katniss Everdeen, has taken the world by storm over the last three years.  Fans seem to be drawn to her on-screen presence, and right now, there seems to be very few roles that she wouldn’t be great for.  In fact, before the cast for 50 Shades was officially announced, many rumors suggested that Lawrence may have snagged the role of Anastasia Steele.

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7. Emma Watson

Many fans would have loved to see Emma Watson in the role of Anastasia Steele.  Although she is best-known for her role as the beloved Hermione Granger, Watson has proven that she has the ability to be much more than a kind-hearted teenage witch. Watson was initially rumored to be in the running for the part; however, in 2013 she tweeted: “Who here actually thinks I would do 50 Shades of Grey as a movie? Like really. For real. In real life,” confirming that she had no interest in the role.

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6.  Alicia Vikander

Alicia Vikander may not be a household name; however, her resume includes a pretty impressive body of work.  Many fans felt that the 26 year-old Sweden native would have been perfect for the role of Anastasia Steele.

 (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images)

5. Dakota Fanning

Dakota Fanning is one of the most talented young stars in Hollywood.  Initially entering the industry as a child star. Although Fanning has proven that she has more than what it takes to have a a successful career as an adult, many fans still view her as the little girl from films such as I Am Sam and Man on Fire.  Nabbing the starring role in 50 Shades of Grey would have allowed Fanning to display her versatile acting abilities and prove once and for all that she is finally an adult.

 (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images)

4. Lily Collins

Actress Lily Collins is no stranger to life in the spotlight.  As the daughter of legendary musician, Phil Collins, she has been a part of the entertainment industry for her entire life.  Now 25 years-old, Collins’ acting credits include appearances in films like The Blind Side and Mirror Mirror.  Back in 2013, Collins was a fan favorite for the role, and many felt that she would be the perfect person to bring Ms. Steele to life.

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3. Mila Kunis

Mila Kunis is often considered one of the sexiest women in Hollywood.  However, Kunis has proven that she is much more than just her looks.  Over the course of her career, she has earned several awards including 2014 MTV Movie Award for Best Villain for her role in Oz the Great and Powerful.  Kunis’ effortless sex appeal and large fan base could have made for a great combination if she had been cast in the role of Anastasia Steele.

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2. Nina Dobrev

Nina Dobrev, best known for her role as Elena Gilbert on the hit series, Vampire Diaries, is no stranger to playing dark and mysterious characters. Dobrev was once a fan favorite for the starring role in 50 Shades of Grey.  In fact, in 2013, a fan-made “trailer” of the film featuring Dobrev and her ex-boyfriend/Vampire Diaries co-star, Ian Somerhalder, began circulating the Internet.

 (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

1. Alexis Biedel

Alex Biedel, well-known for her role as the lovable Rory Gilmore, would have been a fantastic fit for the role of Anastasia Steele.  Bidel, who is the perfect mix of sweet and sexy, could have made for a very realistic portrayal of Steele.  The role would have also been a great starring role for Biedel, whose film career has not featured any box office hits over the last several years.

(Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

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