The making of the erotic drama 50 Shades of Grey, adapted from the bestselling novel by E.L. James about a kinky billionaire and the young women he seduces, is in itself an unfolding drama, with fans eager to hear who will be playing the part of Christian. Charlie Hunnam, who was formally chosen for the role, later stepped down, citing scheduling issues with “Sons of Anarchy,” leaving the role open and many contending for the role. These included “True Blood” star Alexander Skarsgard as a likely pick, as well as Theo James, Christian Cooke, and Scott Eastwood. But though there has as of yet been no final confirmation from author E.L. James, who breaks the news of the roles that have been casted, Variety reports that the role will go to “Once Upon a Time” actor Jamie Dornan.
Aside from playing in the ABC show “Once Upon a Time” as Sheriff Graham, he has also starred in Sofia Coppola’s “Marie Antoinette” and BBC2’s “The Fall.” More to the point of the erotic escapades of this upcoming film, he is also a former Calvin Klein underwear model, so that much of his sex appeal at least checks out.
Naturally enough, reactions to the casting decision have evoked mixed reactions, with some lamenting that Skarsgard was overpicked, and others wondering if Dornan has the mysterious verve necessary for the role of Christian. But such is the nature of movies: as adaptations of books, they are almost sure to contradict our imagination of how things should have gone.