What began as a posting on a fan-fiction website as a tribute to author Stephenie Meyer 's Twilight books soon became a word-of-mouth eBook hit that won a major reprint deal with Random House.
The sexually-explicit story follows 27-year-old billionaire Christian Grey (British actor Jamie Dornan--who was welcomed by the author) and 22-year-old virgin college student Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson TV's Ben and Kate and The Social Network"), who develop a relationship steeped in bondage, S&M, domination and submission.
Grimes will join the cast as Elliot, Christian's adopted brother. Elliot is described as a tall, muscular 30-something with curly blond hair and blue eyes. He ends up in a romance with Anastasia's best friend (part has yet to be cast).
Jennifer Ehle will play Carla the mother of female lead Anastasia.
Dornan won the male lead after the sudden exit of Sons of Anarchy and Pacific Rim star Charlie Hunnam--who seemingly backed out for a number of reasons. Dornan and Tony Award-nominated actor Billy Magnussen were screen tested last Friday.
The likes of Scott Eastwood ("Texas Chainsaw 3D," "Fury") Alexander Skarsgård Montreal-born François Arnaud Theo James Luke Bracey and Christian Cooke had also been attached to take over the coveted role after Hunam's exit.
The news of the initial lead casting led to a strong fan backlash, Several actors were sought for the film and passed. Ryan Gosling was one such Christian Grey option. Shailene Woodley, Felicity Jones, Alicia Vikander, Imogen Poots and Elizabeth Olsen were all under consideration for Anastasia. All passed due to lack of interest, scheduling conflicts and/or other reasons.
Ian Somerhalder, Matt Bomer, Newcomer Erik Odom and Henry Cavill have also been linked to play Christian. Arrow star Stephen Amell had a meeting about the role.
You'll recall that director Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting) and actor Alex Pettyfer (Magic Mike) shot test scene recounting when the ingenue Anastasia Steele loses her virginity to Grey in Van Sant's bid for the gig,
Sam Taylor-Johnson, best known for directing the 2009 film Nowhere Boy and being married to actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson directs the film after a lengthy search.
The novel is the first in a planned trilogy. James has sold 31 million e-book and print copies in English-language markets worldwide, in the U.S. alone she has sold over 20 million copies in e-book and print.
Kelly Marcel wrote the adapted screenplay. She previously worked on "Terra Nova" and penned the upcoming "Saving Mr. Banks". Oscar-nominated screenwriter Patrick Marber has been tasked with the job of to give performing a script a polish and adding some extra character bits.
"Moneyball" and "The Social Network" producers Mike De Luca and Dana Brunetti won a bidding war to produce the film version of "Shades"
Cameras were scheduled to roll on the film adaptation at North Shore Studios in Vancouver on November 5th. The film is still expected to be released on August 1, 2014 in the US.
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