Dakota Johnson: First ‘Fifty Shades,’ Then Whitey Bulger’s Girl Friend; What Next?

Dakota Johnson is set to become a household name next year for playing the role of Anastasia Steele in the film version of the E.L. James’ bestseller Fifty Shades of Grey.

Not that Dakota, 24, is entirely unknown. She has already appeared in a number of movies, and has even ventured into TV; her acting pedigree is also quite impressive.

She is the daughter of actor Don Johnson and actress Melanie Griffith. One of her grandmothers is Tippi Hedren (The Birds), and her stepfather is Antonio Banderas.

Dakota has also tried her hand at modelling, working with such fashion brands as Mango and Wish – so you probably know her face, even if you couldn’t match it to the name.

All this will change once Fifty Shades hits the screens, but Dakota is not letting the grass grow under her feet. According to Deadline.com. she is negotiating for a part in the biopic “Black Mass”, the story of Irish Mafia gang boss Whitey Bulger, adapted from the book of the same name by Dick Lehr and Gerard O’Neill.

Johnny Depp is slated to play the part of Bulger, and Dakota is trying for the role of Lindsey Cyr, who was Bulger’s companion for over 12 years.

Scott Cooper is directing the film for Warner Bros. which will cover the life of the gangster who dominated the Boston crime scene for 40 years.

Bulger disappeared during the 1990’s but was eventually found and arrested in 2011 at the age of 81. His high profile trial in 2013 resulted in him being found guilty on 31 counts, including 11 murders. He is currently incarcerated in the U.S. Penitentiary in Tucson serving two consecutive life sentences.

Which means he won’t be out in time to see the movie of his life.

Also cast for roles in the film are Guy Pierce and Joel Edgerton. Production is scheduled to start sometime before the end of this year.

One thing is certain, Dakota Johnson is continuing her acting heritage, and considering that she is only 24 years old, has a long career ahead of her.