It is partially because of the critical mauling the movies were given that Dornan and the rest of the cast are still living under the shadow of the franchise, as he said he still seems to be "paying penance" for taking on the role as even his new movie Belfast has seen comments in the press along the lines of "It's the best thing he's done since Fifty Shades." Belfast has been gaining a lot of attention and is fast becoming a leading name for numerous awards, having already been a hit with TIFF audiences and winning the People's Choice Award. However, the audience numbers certainly didn't equate to glowing reviews, with the film sitting on a 25% approval on Rotten Tomatoes, although that was a stunning victory in comparison to the 11%/12% that the subsequent sequels received.
The movie took just under $570 million globally, making double its $40 million budget from the opening weekend domestic haul alone, and the trilogy overall went on to become one of the biggest selling R-rated franchises ever. Dornan played the eponymous Christian Grey, with Dakota Johnson playing Anastasia Steele who finds her naïve existence turned on its head. James, arrived in cinemas in February 2015 after being the subject of a bidding war between every major movie studio who wanted a piece of the action, with Universal Studio and Focus Features coming out victorious. Every working actor would say the same thing."įifty Shades of Grey, based on the publishing phenomenon by E.L. I had to confront that choice again."Īlthough he was pressed further on the subject, he simply added, "Look, put it this way: it's done no harm to my career to be part of a movie franchise that has made more than $1 billion.
Better not to be on that ride.' But he pulled out and then I got a call. I thought, 'This would have been fun, but it would have been a strange ride. I was beaten to it the first time by Charlie Hunnam and I felt a certain amount of relief when he got it, to be honest. It wasn't some split decision I made on a whim. I was in the running for it for a long time, remember. I mean, I understood the job and the reactions. Speaking to British GQ magazine, Dornan responded to the question of whether he does wish he had not taken on the Fifty Shades of Grey role, saying, "Ultimately, no. However, the man who played Christian Grey in the movies, Jamie Dornan doesn't seem to have any regrets about being part of the dark, erotic series, and as he takes the lead in Kenneth Branagh's Belfast, it is clear to see that it hasn't hindered his career either. After a sensual, yet also rocky, start, viewers will watch as the seemingly star-crossed lovers attempt to rebuild their relationship.It is usually an actor's dream to be part of a billion dollar movie franchise, but when that franchise is the Fifty Shades Trilogy then it could be seen as more of a nightmare considering the terrible critical reception the films received, and the constant ridicule the movies have come under for over half a decade. Thankfully, you'll be able to see what happens next for Christian and Ana as the sequel, Fifty Shades Darker, airs at 9:30 p.m. For those over the age of 21, we recommend pouring a glass of champagne as you take in the sultry story of mega-rich boy meets girl, boy introduces girl to new sexual proclivities and so much more. with the first installment in the franchise, titled Fifty Shades of Grey. Saturday's viewing party will kick-off at 7 p.m. Whether you're watching it over FaceTime with girlfriends or snuggling up with your significant other, this is the perfect way to pass the time while social distancing. Or, in reality, you'll be seeing a lot of Jamie Dornan's Christian Grey and Dakota Johnson's Anastasia Steele as E! will be airing the entire Fifty Shades film trilogy on Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10.