Penn: Dakota's made for Grey

Penn Badgley thinks Dakota Johnson will “nail” 50 Shades of Grey.

The former Gossip Girl star is impressed with the actress’ talent after working with her on the upcoming film Cymbeline.

The 23-year-old is to play Anastasia Steele in the Fifty Shades of Grey adaptation, a wide-eyed girl who begins to explore sex. Penn joked that Dakota won’t struggle too much to pull the act off.

"Can I say she is perfect for that'" he laughed to E! News. "I don't know if that's appropriate to say. I'm sure she's gonna nail it, no pun intended.

"I haven't read the books. Dakota is wonderful. I have known her for years and we're doing a movie right now."

Charlie Hunnam has been cast as Anastasia’s love interest Christian Grey in the release.

In the modern take on William Shakespeare's play Cymbeline, Penn and Dakota play spouses and they were spotted filming a passionate kissing scene in a New York City park last Monday.

It comes after the hunk split from real-life girlfriend Zoë Kravitz this summer following two years together. Before that he dated Blake Lively for three years.

Meanwhile, Dakota is currently loved up with 27-year-old actor Jordan Masterson but will soon be filming steamy scenes with Charlie for the silver screen version of E.L. James’ bestselling book.

“I am delighted to let you know that the lovely Dakota Johnson has agreed to be our Anastasia in the film adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey,” the author announced on Twitter recently, following it up with: “The gorgeous and talented Charlie Hunnam will be Christian Grey in the film adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey.”

British hunk Charlie, 33, is best known for his part in TV show Sons of Anarchy.