After being reared by Hollywood A-listers, Dakota Johnson is stepping out into the limelight herself.
The 24-year-old is set to star in one of next year’s most eagerly anticipated films, the big screen adaptation of E.L. James’ best-selling S&M trilogy, “50 Shades of Grey.”
While she’s appeared on television shows and movies before, her role as Anastasia Steele has her poised to become a household name in her own right.
She said in the March issue of Elle that she’s ready for the role, something that starts with having a true understanding of her character.
Speaking of the connection between Steele and love interest Christian Grey (played by Northern Irish actor Jamie Dornan), Johnson told the magazine that they “have this chemical pull to each other… It allows both of them to do something that they are completely afraid of.”
The actress also addresses how she managed to land the coveted role and what it was like growing up in such a famous family – her parents are Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith, and her stepfather is Antonio Banderas.
After numerous delays – including initial co-star Charlie Hunnam dropping out of the picture – “50 Shades of Grey” started filming in Vancouver at the end of last year.
The film, which was originally set to be released this summer, is now due in theaters on Feb. 13, 2015.
Johnson’s interview is accompanied by a photo spread shot by Carter Smith. The issue will be available digitally on Feb. 11 and hits newsstands on Feb. 18.
