Two years after the trilogy's first novel 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.[6][7] The winning bid went to Universal Studios and Focus Features, at $5 million.[8] 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.
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 on 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 BDSM desires.
Following the events of the first film, Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey resume their relationship under Ana's terms. However, their relationship is tested when Christian's past threatens the couple.
Believing they have left behind the shadowy figures from the past, billionaire Christian Grey and his new wife, Anastasia, fully embrace their inextricable connection and shared life of luxury. Just as the Greys begin to step into their new roles, sinister events come to light and jeopardize their happy ending before it even begins.
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.[2] It was later revealed that Taylor-Johnson would not return.[4] On August 20, 2015, it was revealed by Deadline Hollywood that James Foley was the front-runner to direct the sequel and third film Fifty Shades Freed.[11]
Screenwriters
Kelly Marcel was chosen as the screenwriter for the first film.[12]
On April 22, 2015, it was announced that author E.L. James' husband, Niall Leonard, would write the script for the sequel.[10] Leonard also went on to write the script for the third film.[13]
On September 2, 2013, Dakota Johnson and Charlie Hunnam were cast as Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey respectively.[15] As a result, the displeasure of the casting from fans caused 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."[16] On October 12, it was announced Hunnam had quit the role of Grey and the studio was in the process of searching for a new actor.[17] On October 23, Jamie Dornan was cast as the replacement for Christian Grey.[18]
In October 2013, Jennifer Ehle was cast as Carla Wilks.[19] On October 31, 2013, Victor Rasuk was cast as José Rodriguez, Jr.[20] On November 22, 2013, Eloise Mumford was cast as Kate Kavanagh.[21] On December 2, 2013, singer Rita Ora was cast as Christian's younger sister Mia.[22] On December 3, 2013, Marcia Gay Harden was cast as Christian's mother, Grace.[23]
On January 28, 2016, Kim Basinger joined the franchise 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.[24] On February 5, Bella Heathcote was cast as Leila, one of Grey's former submissives.[25] In the same month, Eric Johnson was cast to play Jack Hyde, Ana's boss at SIP.[26][27] On February 18, 2016, Robinne Lee and Fay Masterson joined the film's cast.[28] On February 20, Brant Daugherty signed on to play Luke Sawyer, the personal bodyguard for Anastasia in the third film.[29]
For Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed, principal photography was to commence in June in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.[40] This was later to be impossible, due to the script being unwritten at that 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.[41] 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."[42][43][44] Filming on Fifty Shades Darker concluded on April 11, 2016.[45]
With a combined worldwide gross over $1.3 billion, the franchise was one of the biggest R-rated franchises ever, behind only The Matrix ($1.6 billion over three films), The Hangover ($1.4 billion over three films) and Alien ($1.328 billion not counting the PG-13 Alien vs. Predator).[46]
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