First picture of Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey unveiled
By Nick Levine
The first picture of Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey has been unveiled.
The still, which shows a clean-shaven Dornan behind the wheel of a car, was posted on the Fifty Shades of Grey film’s Facebook page earlier today (June 18) to celebrate the birthday of its protagonist. “Happy Birthday Christian Grey” says the accompanying caption.
In the original novel by EL James, Grey’s birthday is listed as July 18, 1983, which would mean he turns 31 today.
Former Calvin Klein model Dornan was quickly cast as powerful businessman Christian Grey when former Queer as Folk star Charlie Hunnam dropped out last October (2013).
Dakota Johnson (Ben and Kate) will co-star as Anastasia Steele, the college student who is seduced by Grey, while the supporting cast includes Jennifer Ehle, Marcia Gay Harden, Luke Grimes, Eloise Mumford and Rita Ora, who is providing a song for the soundtrack.
Director Sam Taylor-Wood, who previously helmed John Lennon biopic Nowhere Boy, began shooting the movie in December in Vancouver, Canada and wrapped filming the following February. The film is scheduled for release on Valentine’s Day, 2015.
Since they were first published in 2011, the three Fifty Shades novels by EL James – real name Erika Mitchell – have collectively sold over 100 million copies worldwide.
The first poster from the film was revealed earlier this year – and features a shot of Dornan from behind. Check it out here.