Jamie Dornan has opened up about his knowledge that critics would despise the Fifty Shades of Grey films before he agreed to be a part of them. The Irish actor, who gained fame for his role as Christian Grey in the popular movie franchise, admitted that while he knew the films would be commercially successful, he anticipated negative feedback from critics.
In a recent episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Dornan revealed that it wasn’t an immediate yes for him when the lead role was offered just five weeks before filming was set to begin. He sought advice from friends, family, and fellow actors, fully aware of the baggage that came with the role.
Dornan acknowledged that when Charlie Hunnam originally got cast as Christian Grey but dropped out due to scheduling conflicts, he initially felt relieved. He believed that the actor who took on the role would face significant scrutiny. However, when he was ultimately offered the part, Dornan had less time to make a decision.
He acknowledged that the films, based on the popular book series by E.L. James, would face a similar fate as the books, with a mixed reaction from both fans and critics. However, Dornan expressed gratitude for being able to move on from the franchise and continue making work that is well-received, with even some critics changing their opinion of his performances.
Dornan’s co-star, Dakota Johnson, has also spoken out about the challenges of working on the Fifty Shades trilogy. She mentioned that the author, E.L. James, had significant creative control over the film adaptations, which led to disagreements and compromises during production.
While Johnson admitted that certain aspects of the books didn’t translate well to the big screen, she doesn’t regret taking on the role. She acknowledged that the final product may not have been exactly what she anticipated, but she remains proud of the films.
Despite the critics and the various challenges faced during production, the Fifty Shades of Grey films achieved enormous commercial success and gained a dedicated fanbase. Both Dornan and Johnson have since moved on to other projects, showcasing their versatility as actors.
In conclusion, Jamie Dornan anticipated the negative reception from critics before accepting the role in the Fifty Shades of Grey films. However, he recognized the commercial potential and sought advice before making a decision. Dakota Johnson also opened up about the challenges faced during production but expressed pride in the final product.
