Top 5 Facts about Fifty Shades Darker | Articles on WatchMojo.com (2024)

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#5: It’s More of a Thriller than the First Film

As the title suggests, this “Fifty Shades of Grey” sequel will take some significantly darker turns. In a 2015 interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Universal Pictures chairman Donna Langley stated that the film would be “more of a thriller.” It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Christian Grey has had his fair share of lovers, some of which aren’t exactly mentally sound. When the past comes back to haunt him, it puts his relationship with Ana and their lives in jeopardy. Based on the plot description, it looks like “Fifty Shades Darker” might take a few pages from “Fatal Attraction,” “Basic Instinct,” and other erotic thrillers. The masks seen in all of the advertisem*nts have notably drawn comparison to Stanley Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut.” We’d give anything to see Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman make cameos.

#4: The Sequel & the Third Film Were Filmed Back to Back

Shortly after the first film hit theaters, it was announced that “Fifty Shades Darker” would come out on February 10, 2017 while “Fifty Shades Freed” would be released on February 9, 2018. Later that year, TheWrap confirmed that James Foley would direct both of the sequels. Under the working title, “Further Adventures of Max and Banks 2 & 3,” shooting began in Paris and Vancouver on February 9, 2016. On July 14, 2016, an attacker drove a cargo truck through a crowd celebrating Bastille Day in Nice, France, killing 86 people and injuring 434. At the same time, the “Fifty Shades” sequels were reportedly being shot in the French Riviera. Following the Nice attack, it was confirmed that the cast and crew working on location were safe and sound. Despite this unspeakable tragedy, production went ahead as planned.

#3: E.L. James’ Husband Wrote the Screenplay

Screenwriter Kelly Marcel and author E.L. James didn’t exactly see eye to eye during the production of “Fifty Shades of Grey.” So, it isn’t surprising that Marcel won’t be returning for any further installments in this franchise. James’ husband, Niall Leonard, was thus hired to write the scripts for “Fifty Shades Darker” and “Fifty Shades Freed.” Like his wife, Leonard is also a published novelist. He has additionally worked on several British TV shows as a writer and director, such as “Wild at Heart” and “Holby City.” Ana and Christian might not have the healthiest romance, but it’s safe to say James has a good relationship with her real life hubby. The two have been married since 1987 and have two sons together. And no, there isn’t a Red Room of Pain in their house, that we know of...

#2: There Are Plenty of New Cast Members

For this sequel, Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan will of course reprise their roles as Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey, respectively. However, “Fifty Shades Darker” will also include several new players. In February 2016, Bella Heathcote landed the role of Leila, one of Christian’s previous submissives, and Eric Johnson was cast as Jack Hyde. Meanwhile, Tyler Hoechlin of “Teen Wolf” fame joined the cast as Boyce Fox and finally Hugh Dancy of “Hannibal” was enlisted to play Dr. John Flynn. The film will most notably star Oscar-winner Kim Basinger as Elena Lincoln, Christian’s current business partner and former sex partner. Of course this isn’t the first time Basinger has dabbled in erotica, as she previously had a rather saucy role in “9½ Weeks.” We can only imagine that these new faces will only add to the chaos and steaminess.

#1: Jamie Dornan Will Be Showing More Skin

Dakota Johnson wasn’t afraid to take it all off in “Fifty Shades of Grey.” Jamie Dornan’s role wasn’t nearly as revealing, however. Since the “Fifty Shades” franchise is primarily marketed to the female demographic, you’d think that there would be a little more fan service for the ladies. In an interview with “Watch What Happens: Live,” Johnson commented that she’d like Dornan to show more skin in the future. Since then, reports have started circulating that Dornan might go full frontal in “Fifty Shades Darker.” Whether Mr. Grey shows off his goodies or not, the filmmakers are keen on making the character appear sexier. After Christian’s clean-shaven look received a negative response, it was decided that Dornan should keep his stubble going forward. We can already see an improvement!

So are you ready to break out the sex toys and contracts? Which “Fifty Shades Darker” fact do you find the most shocking? For more kinky Top 10s and arousing Top 5s published every day, be sure to slip into something darker and subscribe to MsMojo.