Who is Dakota Johnson?

CEBU, Philippines - The next Kristen Stewart or Jennifer Lawrence? Though her name may not be well-known yet, Dakota Johnson has been cast as the female lead of the much-anticipated movie adaptation of author E.L. James’ erotic trilogy “Fifty Shades of Grey.”

This is no small role with A-listers like Emma Watson and Shailene Woodley rumored for the bondage-heavy part before Johnson.

Fans around the globe have been asking, “Who exactly is Dakota Johnson?” Here are five key points on the 23-year-old who will star in one of 2014’s most anticipated films.

1.She’s Hollywood royalty. Johnson’s parents are none other than Melanie Griffith, 56, and “Miami Vice” icon Don Johnson, 63. The “Working Girl” actress and proud mother tweeted after Monday’s casting announcement, “My beautiful child Dakota has been chosen to play Anna Steele in 50 Shades. Look out world!”

2.She had a bit role in “The Social Network.” Remember the girl whom Justin Timberlake, who played Sean Parker in the movie, wakes up next to and then heads into the shower? Yeah, that’s Johnson.

3.Like her mother, she’s a former model. She signed with img Models in 2006 and modeled for Mango Jeans a few years later. She also did a Teen Vogue shoot when she was 12.

4.She has used handcuffs before. Johnson had a prominent role in 2012’s reboot of “21 Jump Street” opposite Channing Tatum where she played an undercover cop.

5.This isn’t her first starring role. Despite the fact that she’s a relative unknown, “Fifty Shades” is not the first project where Johnson has been the leading lady. It was only 16 episodes, but she starred as Kate Fox in “Ben and Kate,” a sitcom about an opposite-minded, yet close brother and sister. Thus, the spotlight and pressure is not new to Dakota. (FREEMAN)