Next February, actress Dakota Johnson will likely be launched to Twilight-era Kristen Stewart-esque levels of mega-stardom when she appears as Anastasia Steele in the hotly anticipated BDSM romance Fifty Shades of Grey, based on the runaway bestseller by E.L. James. With legions of fans to please and her career to think of, Johnson has every reason to be thinking about her future as an actress past Fifty Shades – and now, she’s locked down another book-to-film adaptation sure to endear her to a very different crowd, with word that she’ll star in Forever, Interrupted.
Based on the acclaimed debut novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid, Forever, Interrupted centers on a young woman who is swept off her feet by the man of her dreams. It’s love at first sight, and they fall deeply in love, eloping with five months of first laying eyes on one another. Then, just as quickly, her lover has been struck and killed by a truck while riding his bike. Reeling from the loss, the woman forms an unexpected bond with his mother – who didn’t even know that she exists.
Gidden Media and Good Universe are teaming to adapt Forever, Interrupted. Gidden head Amy Baer, who’s on board as a producer, said of the project:
“Taylor’s book is exquisitely written and heart-wrenchingly honest. Great romantic drama is so hard to execute, and Taylor nailed it. And Dakota will be exquisite as Elsie, who has to deal with the sudden loss of a great love. She is a deeply thoughtful, sensitive and smart woman and actress.”
Johnson will also be exec-producing with Good Universe heads Nathan Kahane and Joe Drake, as well as John Middleton and Roy Lee. Kahane added:
“We’re thrilled that Dakota has come on board as a partner in the film, not only starring, but also taking an active role behind the camera in helping us shape the film.”
Though Fifty Shades of Grey will likely be the project that makes Johnson known to the general public, she’s been on our radar since her starring role in the late, lamented Fox sitcom Ben & Kate, opposite Nat Faxon. The actress is tremendously talented and has shown that in her subsequent work as well, serving as the best part of both Date and Switch and Need for Speed. In addition to Forever, Interrupted, she’s also filming a part in Scott Cooper’s soon-to-be-retitled Whitey Bulger pic Black Mass, so chances are that once Johnson arrives at the box office with Fifty Shades of Grey, she’s there to stay.
