The screen version of the erotic novel, which became a bestseller in the United States in a short time, still excites fans. In the near future, shooting starts of two extensions of the franchise. But fans of the saga are interested in something else: how did the shooting go, how did the actors prepare, finally, who auditioned for the role of Christian Gray? This will be discussed in our article.
Enviable groom
Agree, this character broke the hearts of not only readers, but also spectators. The latter came in particular delight, because they personally saw the one who embodied the ideal of a real man. Who were the candidates for the role of Christian Gray? With the release of the book, and after the film, the front of fans of “50 shades of gray” was divided in two: one liked the main character more, the other the main character. And the point here is not in appearance. The issues raised, so subtle and delicate, forced men and women to have their own opinions about the history of Anastacia and Christian.
Cooking longer is better.
The fact that the film adaptation of “50 shades of gray” will take place, no one had any doubts. This was facilitated by a sharp rise in sales and a real book boom when the novel appeared on shelves. Large film companies have fought for the right to transfer history to the big screen. Leading studios, including the personal company of actor Mark Wahlberg, prepared presentations for writer E. L. James to choose the best. If the initial stages of preparation were so tough, it is hard to imagine what was happening at the casting. Many of the first stars in Hollywood wanted to get the main male image. We will talk about what were the brightest candidates for the role of Christian Gray. In the meantime, we’ll hasten to reassure fans - the aforementioned Mark Wahlberg did not pass the casting. At that time, the actor was forty years old, and the film needed “young blood”. In addition, Wahlberg, known for action films and thrillers, was just aiming at the production chair.
Auction is declared completed ...
In the spring of 2012, E.L. James has decided who will be involved in the production of “50 shades of gray.” Her blessings were given to Universal and Focus. They approved Joe Wright as a director, but he refused. One of those who wanted to take his place was Stephen Soderbergh. But the writer, who reserved the right to participate in the pre-production of the film adaptation, “wrote” Sam Taylor-Johnson from England. The director, as she said, as a woman, had a chance to convey to the viewer all the subtleties of such a difficult film.
... and casting is open!
For the creators of the picture began the most difficult period. They had to choose from hundreds of worthy candidates for leading roles. Who auditioned for the role of Christian Gray? The very first potential performer was Robert Pattinson. Of course, the glory that he won after the vampire saga “Twilight” pushed to consider his candidacy. Cinema knows many examples when the name of a promoted artist doubles the chances of a future film. At that time, the final part of Twilight was expected, and Robert was free. However, his previous films, “Dear Friend” and “Cosmopolis,” failed at the box office. The producers did not want to take risks and tried to find someone who was less known to the public.
Self-denial
Pattinson's failure was “warmly” received by his colleagues. Who auditioned for Christian Gray as the next? Ryan Gosling, who first became famous in 2004 with the “Diary of Remembrance,” especially pleased his fans with successful work. In 2011, he often flashed on the covers of glossy publications thanks to the release of the tapes “Drive” and “March Ides”. In the latter, he played with George Clooney, who directed the production. The family story “This Stupid Love” demonstrated Gosling's excellent shape - in one scene he appears with a torso inflated. All of this could play a role in Ryan’s statement of “50 shades”.
But alas, the actor refused the role of Christian Gray. As he later admitted, at that time he did not see himself in this image. Of greater interest was the picture "How to Catch a Monster", which Gosling was going to put. She, by the way, was released in 2014.
A holy place is never empty
And again - a chance for other actors and a headache for the creators. In September 2013, E.L. James personally announced that the daughter of Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson Dakota would play a major female role. The search for a partner was protracted.
Applicants for the role of Christian Gray included Charlie Hunnam. Of course, he was not as popular as his predecessors, but has long been listed among promising young stars. A native of England, he began with the series Close Friends. In 2002, he played in "Abandoned", and a year later - in "Cold Mountain". Charlie received his first iconic role in 2004 in the teenage drama "Hooligans." By the time of the casting in “50 shades ...” he was remembered for the films “Frankie makes a rustle” and “The Price of Passion”.
E.L. James hastened to confirm Hannam for the role of Gray. But the studios hesitated. They met with the actor several times, and he admitted that he had even read the novel in order to better understand the hero. Later, the company’s press service announced that Hannam’s candidacy was rejected.
The farther from America, the more charisma
Uncertainty got on my nerves. The studio did not yet know how many applicants would have to watch to make a choice. Casting the male image lasted almost a year. Who has auditioned for the role of Christian Gray yet?
Alexander Skarsgård, one of the sons of actor Stellan Skarsgård, began his career in his native Sweden. In 2001, Ben Stiller gave him a small role in The Model Male. Ten years later, the name of Skarsgard Jr. thundered in Hollywood with the release of "The Straw Dogs." Further - only the main roles and the best films: “There is no connection”, “Divorce in the big city”, “Sea battle”. Simultaneously with the casting in “50 shades ...” the actor received an invitation to the fantastic action movie “Tarzan”. He liked him more.
Too handsome for a “bad” boy
American Billy Magnussen made his way to the top of the Hollywood Olympus for several years. And he could hardly have suggested then that his name would be included in the candidates for the role of Christian Gray. The actor began with a series of walk-through television series. In 2010, he played an inconspicuous role in the thriller “Twelve,” a year later starred in a romantic melodrama with Jennifer Love Hewitt's “Lost Valentine”. By this time, Billy began to be invited more often to the picture, and participation in “50 shades of gray” could significantly help career advancement.
Presentation of awards
A year before the premiere of “Shades,” the release of trailers took place. The first video turned out to be incredibly secret: only the hands and silhouette were visible to the viewer, and the face of the main character was not shown. The heated intrigue gave rise to a lot of new rumors. Who is that lucky one? Who plays the role of Christian Gray?
The creators did not tire the fans anymore. Jamie Dornan has been approved for the role. Indeed, for this Englishman, participation in such a project would mean audience recognition and a further chance for the first roles, because until 2013 Dornan did not shine with a bright track record. However, neither he nor Dakota Johnson did not yet know whether success or failure expects “50 shades”. Their fee was 250 thousand, while fees from the first part of the franchise exceeded the mark of 550 million dollars. Until the launch of the production of the remaining parts, the actors have the opportunity to demand an increase in their fees.
According to the audience, Jamie Dornan was perfect for the role. Presenting Christian Gray as someone else is extremely difficult. Dornan exudes masculinity; it feels charisma, strength and the core that helped make this image vivid and memorable.
Other actors on the role of Christian Gray
Applicants considered above are far from a complete list of candidates for the main male role in the film “50 shades of gray”. Many famous and little-known actors were tried on it. Among them: Theo James, Matt Bomer, Ian Somerhalder, Michael Fassbender, James Dean, Channing Tatum, Scott Eastwood, Francois Arnault, Luke Bracky.