"Harry Potter" star Emma Watson is reportedly in talks for the starring role in the upcoming film adaptation of the steamy novel "50 Shades of Grey." The news comes via International Business Times, who reports that the 22-year-old is a "frontrunner" for the role of Anastasia Steele.
The book, which was originally conceived as a fan fiction tribute to the "Twilight" series, will be produced by Mike De Luca and Dana Brunetti, who last worked together on "The Social Network." It centers on Steele, a recent college grad and her relationship with business man Christian Grey.
Universal Pictures and Focus Features were quick to snap up rights to the film, which unexpectedly shot to the top of best seller lists earlier this year. Other actresses tipped for the role of Steele include Lucy Hale and Ashley Benson. The feature film will cover the first of three books penned by E.L. James.
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June 12, 2026 17:14 ET Major central bank action was the focus this week in economic news. The European Central Bank became the first major central bank to move in response to the rising inflationary pressures in the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East. In North America, the U.S. inflation and trade data as well as Canada’s central bank decision gained attention. The Chinese trade data was the main news in Asia.