‘Fifty Shades Of Grey’ Eyes New Leads; ‘Closer’ Scribe To Polish Script
With just weeks to go until shooting,Fifty Shades of Greyhit a big snag this weekend whenCharlie Hunnamabruptlydropped outof the lead role. His decision left directorSam Taylor-Johnsonscrambling to find a replacement, and the word is thatJamie DornanandAlexander Skarsgardare among the actors being eyed.
Meanwhile, as Taylor-Johnson gets that casting in place,CloserscribePatrick Marberwill be working on quick polish of the script byKelly Marcel. Get the latest updates on the much-discussed romance after the jump.
BREAKING: CLOSER scribe PATRICK MARBER hired to do a quick polish of FIFTY SHADES OF GREY script as JAMIE DORNAN enters contention for Grey.
— Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider)July 04, 2025
Hunnam’s official reason for dropping out was “scheduling conflicts,” but there have been rumors that he was really nervous about the publicity that’d follow such a high-profile role. Especially as his casting proved so controversial among fans of the source material.
Dornan is a 31-year-old actor from Northern Ireland best known for his appearances in the TV seriesOnce Upon a TimeandThe Fall. He’s also appeared in the featuresMarie AntoinetteandShadows in the Sun. He’s not nearly as famous as Hunnam is, but that could be for the best since those sameFifty Shadesreaders probably have fewer preconceptions about him.
THRadds that Skarsgard, a fan-favorite choice who haspreviously expressed an interestin the role, is also on the list of possible replacements. The Swedish actor has no problem with sexually explicit material and nudity, as he’s shown on the HBO seriesTrue Blood. He’s currently shooting a supporting role in Phillip Noyce’s YA adaptationThe Giver.
In addition to Dornan and Skarsgard, the studio is also revisiting its original wish list which included such names asTheo JamesandChristian Cooke. Not among the possibilities isGarrett Hedlund, who got an informal offer before Hunnam was chosen but is now tied up shootingUnbroken.Dakota Johnsonremains on board as Anastasia Steele.
Marber’s hiring came just before Hunnam left. The Oscar-nominated (forNotes on a Scandal) scribe is expected to do some character work on the script, along with general polishing. He previously worked with Taylor-Johnson on the short filmLove You More. Marber’s previous work includesCloser, which wasn’t technically an S&M film likeFifty Shadesbut which dealt with the dynamics of love, sex, and power between its four main characters.
