Directors 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. 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.
Screenwriters Kelly Marcel was chosen as the screenwriter for the first film. On April 22, 2015, it was announced that author E.L. James' husband, Niall Leonard, would write the script for the sequel. Leonard also went on to write the script for the third film.
Casting The casting for the lead roles was considered controversial. Many contenders considered for the film included
Ryan Gosling,
Garrett Hedlund,
Theo James,
Alexander Skarsgård,
François Arnaud,
Charlie Hunnam,
Scott Eastwood,
Luke Bracey,
Ian Somerhalder and
Billy Magnussen as Christian Grey.
Alicia Vikander,
Imogen Poots,
Elizabeth Olsen,
Shailene Woodley,
Alexis Bledel and
Felicity Jones were all considered for the role of Anastasia Steele. On September 2, 2013,
Dakota Johnson and
Charlie Hunnam were cast as Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey respectively. 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." 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. On October 23,
Jamie Dornan was cast as the replacement for Christian Grey. In October 2013,
Jennifer Ehle was cast as Carla Wilks. On October 31, 2013,
Victor Rasuk was cast as José Rodriguez Jr. On November 22, 2013,
Eloise Mumford was cast as Kate Kavanagh. On December 2, 2013, singer
Rita Ora was cast as Christian's younger sister Mia. On December 3, 2013,
Marcia Gay Harden was cast as Christian's mother, Grace. 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. On February 5,
Bella Heathcote was cast as Leila, one of Grey's former submissives. In the same month,
Eric Johnson was cast to play Jack Hyde, Ana's boss at SIP. On February 18, 2016,
Robinne Lee and
Fay Masterson joined the film's cast. On February 20,
Brant Daugherty signed on to play Luke Sawyer, the personal bodyguard for Anastasia in the third film.
Filming For
Fifty Shades of Grey, principal photography was filmed in
Vancouver,
British Columbia,
Canada, which began on December 1, 2013. Scenes were filmed in the
Gastown district of Vancouver.
Bentall 5 was used as the Grey Enterprises building. The
University of British Columbia serves as
Washington State University Vancouver, from which Ana graduates. The
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver was used as the Heathman Hotel. The film was also shot at the
North Shore Studios. The production officially ended on February 21, 2014. Reshoots involving scenes between Dornan and Johnson took place in Vancouver during the week of October 13, 2014. For
Fifty Shades Darker and
Fifty Shades Freed, principal photography was to commence in June in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This was later to be impossible, due to the script being unwritten at that moment. 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." Filming on
Fifty Shades Darker concluded on April 11, 2016. ==Reception==