'Fifty Shades of Grey' Film Release Pushed Back To 2015
The highly anticipated movie adaptation of the best-selling novel "Fifty Shades of Grey" is pushed back to 2015, Universal Pictures announced on Nov. 13. The movie was originally intended for release Aug. 1, 2014 but now scheduled for Valentine's Day in cinemas Feb. 13, 2015.
Universal did not give an explanation for postponing the movie's release date. But it was widely reported that the casting of lead character Christian Grey took longer when "Sons of Anarchy" star Charlie Hunnam quit out of the role, six weeks after being cast.
However, Universal Pictures denied claims that Hunnam's departure from the movie was the reason behind the change of release date.
Former Calvin Klein Fashion Model and Actor Jamie Dornan, 31, from Northern Ireland, signed to replace Hunnam Oct. 24. He is known in the BBC drama, "The Fall" and fantasy series, "Once Upon A Time." Dornan is expected to sign up for three movies based on the book trilogy. He will play alongside American actress Dakota Johnson in the movie directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson.
"Fifty Shades of Grey" is about a passionate, sexually charged relationship between the wealthy and mysterious businessman Christian Grey and literature student Anastasia.
The novel is written by British author E.L. James and published in 2011. It was a hit, becoming a cultural phenomenon with offshoots and parodies everywhere. Critics described it as "mommy porn." It is James' debut novel and the first book in the "Fifty Shades" trilogy to become the fastest paperback to achieve $1 million sales in Britain. The trilogy sold more than 70 million copies worldwide.
The movie is expected to shoot in early December and will be distributed by Universal Pictures' Focus Features. Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson also graced the latest Entertainment Weekly issue in character as the movie's leads, Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele.
When asked if he is ready to take on the role, Jamie said: "There was a slight fear but beyond anything else, I was f---ing excited." He embraces the role with no fears of becoming the next Robert Pattinson, without trepidation about being the object of women's fantasies and racy sex scenes.