Best Selling Book ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ Brings Erotica to the Big Screen

The book series caused a hysteria that was quite unlike that of “Harry Potter” or “The Hunger Games.” “Fifty Shades of Grey” was the book no one could put down in 2011, and we will soon find out if it’s the movie everyone has to see when it opens February 13, 2015.

The movie based on the first book of the erotic series follows 21-year-old Anastasia Steele and her sexual escapades with the 27-year-old wealthy entrepreneur, Christian Grey. Steele’s friend cannot make an interview with Grey, so she goes in her friend’s place. She’s instantly attracted to him, but doubts he returns the sentiment. That’s until he shows up at her day job. From that point on, she’s introduced into a world far from her own.

When E.L. James’s books started to make noise in 2011, many stuck up their noses at them, while others stuck their noses deep within the pages. Controversy surrounds the series due to what some called a glorification of abusive relationships because of the heavy amount of BDSM involved. Despite the naysayers, “Fifty Shades” and its sequels have sold over 100 million copies worldwide.

Of course, when it was announced the book was being translated to the big screen, it got some slack. Not only because of the raunchy nature of the book most feared would tarnish the mainstream film world, but because of the casting. James started out writing fan fiction about “Twilight,” and she wanted Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart for the leads. That didn’t pan out as other names swirled for months on who would be cast as the sexual pair, Ian Somerhalder, Lucy Hale, Chace Crawford and Shailene Woodley were all said to have been interested in the parts. Then it was revealed that Dakota Johnson and Charlie Hunnam had landed the coveted roles. Hunnam then dropped out due to scheduling conflicts. There was a scramble to replace him and during that time, the studio found their new Grey with Jamie Dornan.

Johnson and Dornan are still relatively unknown actors in the grand scheme of things, but “Fifty Shades” has and will continue to make them household names. Johnson made her film debut in “Crazy in Alabama” and has bit parts throughout the years in “21 Jump Street” and “The Five-Year Engagement.” Dornan on the other hand is best known for his small screen role in “Once Upon a Time” as The Huntsman/Sheriff.

“Fifty Shades of Grey” opens Feb. 13.