'Fifty Shades of Grey' movie casting news: Why Emilia Clarke is Anastasia Steele

Anastasia is in her early 20s in the original “Fifty Shades of Grey” novel, and especially considering the film will likely not hit theaters until at least 2014, it’s equally important to find an actress around that age as well. Emilia Clarke has a foot up on the competition in this regard, being only age 25 with very youthful features.As EL James has promised “Fifty Shades” fans that she would only choose an Ana that appealed to many of her readers for the upcoming film, Emilia Clarke would certainly fulfill this requirement. The talented actress has consistently placed in the top 3 of all major casting polls this 2013, securing her spot as a fan favorite to stay.Though it may be a given for any potential Anastasia Steele casting candidate, Emilia Clarke certainly looks the part of our Ana. From her delicate features to her blue eyes and light brown hair, Emilia would not have change much to slip into the Red Room of Pain alongside Christian Grey in the “Fifty Shades of Grey” movie.View the list »
Emilia Clarke

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As fans continue to speculate over casting regarding the “Fifty Shades of Grey” movie this week, Fans Share revealed this Wednesday, Feb. 13, that one actress whose name has found a very strong following this month to play Anastasia Steele is Emilia Clarke of “Game of Thrones.” While she was mentioned to be a fan favorite when paired with Henry Cavill as Christian Grey, Fans Share offers some insight as to why Emilia Clarke might make a very convincing Ana on the silver screen alongside any male actor.

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From her initially submissive role as Princess Daenerys Targaryen on “Game of Thrones” to her popularity in the “Fifty Shades of Grey” movie casting polls, actress Emilia Clarke has found a solid fan base of E.L. James’ readers who see the starlet as a great Anastasia Steele alongside a potential Christian Grey. Listed here are ten reasons why Emilia has earned her fan favorite status as a top contender for the iconic role alongside fellow leads Alexis Bledel and Felicity Jones.

For some of the most recent additions to our “Fifty Shades of Grey” casting series, please feel welcome to view them here:

Top Ten Reasons Ian Somerhalder is Christian Grey

Top Ten Reasons Matt Bomer is Christian Grey

Top Ten Reasons Henry Cavill is Christian Grey

Top Ten Reasons Alexis Bledel is Anastasia Steele

For the most recent “Fifty Shades of Grey” movie news and casting updates, you can follow Ryan on Twitter here or check out his community Facebook page for all things “50 Shades,” Books and Movies Examiner. Thank you!

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  • Though it may be a given for any potential Anastasia Steele casting candidate, Emilia Clarke certainly looks the part of our Ana. From her delicate features to her blue eyes and light brown hair, Emilia would not have change much to slip into the Red Room of Pain alongside Christian Grey in the “Fifty Shades of Grey” movie.
  • As EL James has promised “Fifty Shades” fans that she would only choose an Ana that appealed to many of her readers for the upcoming film, Emilia Clarke would certainly fulfill this requirement. The talented actress has consistently placed in the top 3 of all major casting polls this 2013, securing her spot as a fan favorite to stay.
  • Anastasia is in her early 20s in the original “Fifty Shades of Grey” novel, and especially considering the film will likely not hit theaters until at least 2014, it’s equally important to find an actress around that age as well. Emilia Clarke has a foot up on the competition in this regard, being only age 25 with very youthful features.
  • Though she may be a blonde on TV, Emilia Clarke made a name for herself as an actress in the hit TV series, “Game of Thrones” as princess Daenerys Targaryen, queen of dragons. Though this is of course a role very different to that of Ana, Emilia’s fantasy character nonetheless displays a very submissive personality from the get-go that slowly transforms as the series progresses, lending itself well to Ana’s own progression in “Fifty Shades."
  • One cannot deny that if anything, Emilia Clarke is a talented actress, much like her competition for the part of Anastasia Steele. As seen in her role again on “Game of Thrones,” Emilia showcases her ability to portray a complex character onscreen and do so in a very feminine, sensual, yet progressively assertive and convincing ways to an audience.
  • Emilia Clarke is not inexperienced when it comes to sex scenes onscreen, and that is something a potential Anastasia Steele will definitely have to be ready for when it comes to spending time with Christian Grey. She is depicted in several graphic sex scenes in “Game of Thrones,” and the actress has no issue going nude in front of the camera, another boon in her favor.
  • Emilia Clarke’s openness to playing Ana remains an almost complete unknown at this point, as there are few to no confirmed statements on her talking about the lead role. While it may be discouraging for fans who want to see her as their Anastasia Steele, not saying no or yes to the part may in fact work in her favor if EL James ultimately chooses to cast a more dark-horse candidate for the role in “Fifty Shades of Grey.”
  • Books and Review notes that as an experienced actress, Emilia Clarke can take on a variety of roles.  One commenter added:“Emilia’s a natural brunette like Ana, so she definitely has the right look and sense about her for the lead. Plus, she’s so innocent and sweet in real life, too!”
  • Much like another fan favorite, Alexis Bledel, Emilia Clarke doesn’t just have fans rooting for her, but some big name sites as well. Perez Hilton said she might make a great match with Alexander Skarsgard as Christian Grey back in 2012, while Books and Review added that “her body is smokin’ for those sex scenes!”
  • Ultimately, choosing the right Ana won’t just come down to looks or even acting talent, but a combination of factors and senses that simply reflect themselves as Ana-esque on the silver screen. Emilia Clarke may just be the right starlet for the role, being noted by The Stir as:“At times, Emilia can be a bit awkward and silly, but she can also look rather sensual … she is ready for that sexuality and darker themes in ‘Fifty Shades of Grey.’”We’ll continue with our fan casting series next week. For our previous installment on Alexis Bledel as Ana Steele, you can visit the link here. Thank you! 
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, Orland Park Literature Examiner

Ryan Arciero is a junior studying English and Secondary Education at Lewis University in Illinois. Ryan is very excited to be joining Examiner.com as the Orland Park Literature Examiner. An avid reader with a passion for books, Ryan has experience writing for newspapers, completing his first YA...

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