Fifty Shades film series consists of three erotic romantic drama films based on the Fifty Shades trilogy by English author E.L. James. It is distributed by Universal Studios and stars Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan as the lead roles Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey respectively. Sam Taylor-Johnson directed the first film and is expected to direct the sequels.[1] It was announced Taylor-Johnson would in fact return to direct the second film in the series.[2] However, it was confirmed that Taylor-Johnson would reject the project.[3] The first film, Fifty Shades of Grey, was released on February 13, 2015. The second film, Fifty Shades Darker, will be released on February 10, 2017.[4] Fifty Shades Freed will be released on February 9, 2018.[4]
Two years after the trilogy's first book was released, several distribution companies had bid for the rights of the trilogy. Warner Bros., Sony, Paramount and Universal, as well as Mark Wahlberg's production company, put in bids for the film rights.[5][6] The winning bid went to Universal Pictures and Focus Features, at $5 million.[7] With James gaining control over the process of the making of the film, she hand-picked Dana Brunetti and Michael De Luca as the producers. Sam Taylor-Johnson was also chosen to direct the first film, and she is expected to direct the two sequels.[8][1] However, it was confirmed that Taylor-Johnson would not return to direct.[3]
Film | Release date | Producers | Director | Screenwriters | Novel by E.L. James |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fifty Shades of Grey | February 13, 2015 | Michael De Luca Dana Brunetti E.L. James |
Sam Taylor-Johnson | Kelly Marcel | Fifty Shades of Grey |
Fifty Shades Darker | February 10, 2017[4] | James Foley[9] | Niall Leonard[10][9] | Fifty Shades Darker | |
Fifty Shades Freed | February 9, 2018[4] | Fifty Shades Freed |
On June 19, 2013, Sam Taylor-Johnson was chosen to direct the first film. On February 6, 2015, Taylor-Johnson announced the sequels, prompting she would return to direct the sequels.[1] It was later revealed that Taylor-Johnson would not return to direct the sequels.[3] On August 20, 2015, it was revealed by Deadline that James Foley was the front-runner to direct the sequel and third film Fifty Shades Freed.[11]
Kelly Marcel was chosen as the screenplay writer for the first film.[12] The production company is currently in plans of searching for a new screenwriter for the second film.[13]
On April 22, 2015, it was announced that E.L. James' husband, Niall Leonard, would write the script for the sequel.[10] Leonard went on to write the script for the third film.[14]
The casting for the lead roles was considered controversial. Many contenders considered for the film included Ryan Gosling, Garrett Hedlund, Theo James, Alexander Skarsgard, François Arnaud, Charlie Hunnam, Scott Eastwood, Luke Bracey, and Billy Magnussen as Christian Grey. Alicia Vikander, Imogen Poots, Elizabeth Olsen, Shailene Woodley, and Felicity Jones were all considered for the role of Anastasia Steele.[15]
On September 2, 2013, Dakota Johnson and Charlie Hunnam were cast as Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey respectively.[16] As a result, the displeasure of the casting from fans caused a controversy. In response, Brunetti stated, "There is a lot that goes into casting that isn't just looks. Talent, availability, their desire to do it, chemistry with other actor, etc. So if your favorite wasn't cast, then it is most likely due to something on that list. Keep that in mind while hating and keep perspective."[17] On October 12, it was announced Hunnam had quit the role of Christian Grey and the studio was in the process of searching for a new actor.[18] On October 23, Jamie Dornan was cast as the replacement for Christian Grey.[19]
In October 2013, Jennifer Ehle was cast as Carla Wilks.[20] On October 31, 2013, Victor Rasuk was cast as José Rodriguez, Jr.[21] On November 22, 2013, Eloise Mumford was cast as Kate Kavanagh.[22] On December 2, 2013, singer Rita Ora was cast as Christian's younger sister Mia.[23] On December 3, 2013, Marcia Gay Harden was cast as Christian's mother, Grace.[24]
On January 28, 2016, Kim Basinger joined the film to play the role of Elena Lincoln in the sequels, Grey's business partner and former lover, while Luke Grimes, Eloise Mumford and Max Martini would be returning for the sequels.[25] On February 5, Bella Heathcote was cast as Leila, one of Grey's former submissives.[26] In the same month, Eric Johnson was cast to play Jack Hyde, Ana's boss at SIP.[27][28] On February 18, 2016, Robinne Lee and Fay Masterson joined the film's cast.[29] On February 26, 2016, Tyler Hoechlin was cast in the film to play Boyce Fox.[30] On April 7, 2016, it was reported that Hugh Dancy had joined the film to play Dr. John Flynn, Grey's psychiatrist.[31]
For Fifty Shades of Grey, principal photography was filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, which began on December 1, 2013.[32] Scenes were filmed in the Gastown district of Vancouver.[33] Bentall 5 was used as the Grey Enterprises building.[34][35] The University of British Columbia serves as Washington State University Vancouver, from which Ana graduates.[36] The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver was used as the Heathman Hotel.[37][38] The film was also shot at the North Shore Studios.[39] The production officially ended on February 21, 2014.[40] Reshoots involving scenes between Dornan and Johnson took place in Vancouver during the week of October 13, 2014.[41]
For Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed, principal photography was to commence in June in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.[42] This was later to be impossible, due to the script being unwritten at the moment.[10] In November 2015, Universal Studios announced that both films would be shot back-to-back with principal photography scheduled to commence in early 2016.[43] Filming began in Paris and Vancouver from February 9, 2016, to July 12, 2016, under the working title, "Further Adventures of Max and Banks 2 & 3."[44][45][46] Filming concluded on April 11, 2016.[47]
Danny Elfman scored the first film.
Main article: Fifty Shades of Grey (film) |
When Anastasia "Ana" Steele, a literature student, goes to interview the wealthy Christian Grey, as a favor to her roommate Kate Kavanagh, she encounters a handsome, brilliant and intimidating man. The innocent and naive Ana, startled to realize she wants him, despite his enigmatic reserve and advice, finds herself desperate to get close to him. Not able to resist Ana's beauty and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her too, but in his own terms. Ana hesitates as she discovers the singular tastes of Grey – despite the embellishments of success – his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family – Grey is consumed by the need to control everything. As they get close, Steele starts to discover Grey's secrets and explores her own desires.
Main article: Fifty Shades Darker (film) |
On February 6, 2015, during a special fan screening, the director confirmed the first sequel and was expected to be released in 2016 with the cast and crew returning.[1] Principal photography was to commence in June 2015 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.[42] It was later announced the film would be released on February 10, 2017.[4] E.L. James' husband, Niall Leonard, would be writing the script for the sequel.[10]
Main article: Fifty Shades Freed (film) |
On February 6, 2015, during a special fan screening, the director confirmed the second sequel with the cast and crew returning.[1] It was revealed that film would be released on February 9, 2018.[4]
Character | Film | ||
---|---|---|---|
Fifty Shades of Grey | Fifty Shades Darker | Fifty Shades Freed | |
Anastasia Steele | Dakota Johnson | ||
Christian Grey | Jamie Dornan | ||
Carla May Wilks | Jennifer Ehle | TBA | |
Katherine Kavanagh | Eloise Mumford | ||
José Rodriguez, Jr. | Victor Rasuk | TBA | |
Elliot Grey | Luke Grimes | ||
Dr. Grace Trevelyan Grey | Marcia Gay Harden | ||
Mia Grey | Rita Ora | ||
Jason Taylor | Max Martini | ||
Raymond Steele | Callum Keith Rennie | TBA | |
Carrick Grey | Andrew Airlie | ||
Bob Adams | Dylan Neal | ||
Jack Hyde | Eric Johnson | ||
Elena Lincoln (Mrs. Robinson) |
Kim Basinger | ||
Leila Williams | Bella Heathcote | TBA | |
Dr. John Flynn | Hugh Dancy | TBA | |
Gail Jones | Fay Masterson | ||
Luke Sawyer | Brant Daugherty | ||
Ros Bailey | Robinne Lee | ||
Boyce Fox | Tyler Hoechlin | TBA | |
Gia Matteo | Arielle Kebbel |
Occupation | Films | ||
---|---|---|---|
Fifty Shades of Grey[48] | Fifty Shades Darker | Fifty Shades Freed | |
Director | Sam Taylor-Johnson | James Foley | |
Writer(s) | Kelly Marcel | Niall Leonard | |
Composer | Danny Elfman | ||
Cinematographer | Seamus McGarvey | TBA | |
Editor(s) | Anne V. Coates Lisa Gunning Debra Neil-Fisher |
TBA |
Further information on the reception of each film: Fifty Shades of Grey (film) § Reception, Fifty Shades Darker (film) § Reception, and Fifty Shades Freed (film) § Reception |
Film | Release date | Budget million(s) |
Box office gross | Box office ranking | Reference | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Opening weekend (North America) |
North America | Other territories | Worldwide | All time North America |
All time worldwide | ||||
Fifty Shades of Grey | February 13, 2015 | $40 million | $85,171,450 | $165,994,130 | $402,816,353 | $568,810,483 | 232 | 109 | [49] |
Total | $40 million | ||||||||
Average |
Film | Rotten Tomatoes | Metacritic | CinemaScore |
---|---|---|---|
Fifty Shades of Grey | 25% (211 reviews)[50] | 46 (46 reviews)[51] | C+[52] |