Today is a tantalizing day for 50 Shades of Grey fans as the trailer for the highly anticipated movie adaption debuted on the Today Show.
The erotic novel, that broke records when it became the fastest selling paperback of all time, comes to the big screen with Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson playing the beloved literary couple, Christian and Anastasia.
Here’s what you need to know about the film that’s seducing theaters on Valentine’s Day.
1. Beyonce Adds Her Breathless Version of ‘Crazy in Love’ to the Soundtrack
On July 19, Beyonce released a teaser to the trailer, using a sexed-up version of “Crazy in Love.”
This surprising Instagram treat started social media buzz about her being involved in its soundtrack.
The Today Show did confirm that Queen B made a special version of the song for the film, which is featured in the background of the trailer.
2. The Role of Christian Was Recast
New "Christian Grey" vs the old one. Who'd you rather…Jamie or Charlie? pic.twitter.com/31wopTBmSM
— Darth Shada (@DarthShada) October 27, 2013
At the start, the project met with some casting drama that had fans in a frenzy.
Weeks after being cast as the lead, Charlie Hunnam dropped out of the project.
The reason that was cited was that his filming of the TV series Sons of Anarchy would have interfered.
Hunnam has no hard feelings, but was disappointed that he was no longer attached to the pivotal film.
He told Life and Style that he had already started to prepare:
When you put the time into something like that and a character comes alive in your mind, it’s heartbreaking not to be able to play him. It was definitely kind of heartbreaking having to say goodbye to that character and not bring it to life.
Although Scott Eastwood, Matt Bomer, and Alexander Skarsgard were all considered, in the end, it was Irish actor Dornan who won the coveted role.
It didn’t hurt that the 32-year-old is a former underwear model.
3. Dakota Has Qualms About Her Famous Parents Watching
This Week's Cover: 'Fifty Shades of Grey' stars Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson — EXCLUSIVE http://t.co/nBDb4QPtvD pic.twitter.com/4j0DnGDMWa
— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) November 13, 2013
Dakota Johnson, daughter of Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith, was cast as Anastasia, the innocent student who cannot refuse Christian’s advances.
During the Today Show interview, she was asked if she would want her parents to screen the movie, and she replied, ”I think, probably, no.”
The role required the actress to be comfortable with the film’s erotic sex scenes, which she didn’t have any qualms about.
In an interview with Elle, she said, “I don’t have any problem doing anything. The secret is I have no shame.”
She is a also fan of the books, and truly believes that there can be a force that pushes two people together.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, she said:
Erica (EL James) did a really good job of explaining how that just can happen sometimes and you have this chemical pull to someone. Adding in the sex makes it perfect. Sometimes you feel a little bit naughty and that’s okay.
4. Jamie Had a Good Time on Set
He exercises control in all things. RT if @JamieDornan1/#ChristianGrey is your #ManCandyMonday http://t.co/qndzTXUUmi pic.twitter.com/2gWsqPgMlb
— Fifty Shades of Grey (@FiftyShades) November 19, 2013
This is the previously unknown actor’s breakout role, one that he’s truly embracing. “I certainly don’t fear it,” he told EW.
It is his fearless attitude of owning the role of Christian that allows him to enjoy his time on set.
He dished to E, “Obviously we’re getting the work done but you’re allowed to have fun at work. I’d stop if I wasn’t allowed to have fun.”
As he delved into the character of the troubled entrepreneur, he realized the complexity of playing him.
In Interview magazine, he said:
Even Christian has two sides. Come to think of it, he has 50.
5. There’s Another On-Screen Pairing
Kat: #50Shades Casting News! Eloise Mumford will play Kate Kavanagh & Luke Grimes (True Blood) as Elliot Grey! pic.twitter.com/lbanes1UVf
— The BOUNCE (@1013TheBOUNCE) November 26, 2013
Eloise Mumford won the role of Anastasia’s roommate, Kate Kavanagh, the journalist who started it all when she asked Anastasia to interview Christian.
The Hollywood Reporter explained Kate as “Steele’s best friend and her polar opposite. She is also meant to be drop-dead gorgeous, leaving men panting.”
In the book, Kate has a relationship with Christian’s adopted brother, Elliot, who is played by Luke Grimes.
The True Blood actor will bring his looks and talent to the role.
Hollywood Life was impressed with the casting choice, saying, “We can also totally picture Luke cracking an affectionate grin, as the former bad-boy Elliot is known to do.”
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‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ Movie: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know