There’s hardly anyone unaware of the name Jamie Dornan. The portrayal of Christian Grey in the erotic romantic drama franchise has earned the Irish actor worldwide stardom. Despite the success, the role left a significant mark on Dornan’s career. No matter how much cash it grabbed, the critical reception was simply pathetic. But the fans were surprised to know that the 40-year-old already anticipated the hatred way before the movie was released.
Initially, when the erotic romantic franchise was planned to kick off with Fifty Shades of Grey, Jamie Dornan was not the first choice for the role. It was Charlie Hunnam. But eventually, he backed out and the franchise made Dornan a worldwide name and he continued the role in two more movies.
Jamie Dornan anticipated the Fifty Shades hatred
Back in 2015 when the Sam Taylor-Johnson directorial dropped, Fifty Shades of Grey was one of the most talked about topics in the town. Despite being one of the biggest hits, the erotic flick was simply trashed by critics. The bad press didn’t end here as the film also went on to bag most of the awards in the 2015 edition of the infamous Golden Raspberry Awards. But if Dornan’s words are to be believed, he anticipated all of that way earlier.
In an interview with GQ, Jamie Dornan revealed that he already anticipated the effects of the Fifty Shades franchise on his career. He cited one of the main reasons for that as the bad reception of the books. At the end of the day, the source material was the same and he knew that a bad book can’t be a critically acclaimed movie. The Belfast actor further added that it was the moment when he was enjoying the success of his thriller series when several reports stated how it was a ‘devastating’ decision for the actor.
“I’ll never forget, the Guardian did this long piece on Fifty Shades – it was just after The Fall came out and I had been nominated for a Bafta, a huge moment in my career – about my announcement and about what a devastating career choice it was for me. So the early consensus of my ‘bad choice’, let’s just say, I was very aware of that narrative.”
Even Jamie Dornan is aware of the fact that Fifty Shades will always remain an unremovable stain in his career. No matter how much better he becomes, the franchise starring him and Dakota Johnson won’t leave him. But the actor was very open to admitting that he never regretted the decision.
Jamie Dornan doesn’t regret taking Fifty Shades
The interview went on to become more interesting as the Synchronic star openly stated that the reception of the franchise never made him regret his decision. He described that it was not a decision made in seconds and it also required thoughts. He added that the franchise didn’t do any harm and also provided him with huge financial success which leaves no place for regrets.
“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. Every working actor would say the same thing. It’s provided – a lot. There’s no shame in saying it’s transformed my life and my family’s life financially. I am very, very grateful for this and always will be. And the fans loved it.”
Following the franchise based on E.L. James’ book, Jamie Dornan appeared in a lot of projects some of which like Belfast even garnered a lot of favorable reviews.
Recently, the actor attracted wide appreciation for his role in the HBO Max series The Tourist which was also renewed for a second season. Besides that, he is also set to reunite with Belfast director Kenneth Branagh in his upcoming A Haunting in Venice. On the other hand, he is also set to star alongside Gal Gadot in the upcoming Netflix spy thriller Heart of Stone.
Heart of Stone will hit Netflix on August 11, 2023, while A Haunting in Venice will hit the theaters on September 25, 2023.
The movies in the Fifty Shades franchise can be rented on Apple TV+.
Source: GQ
