Being a part of a billion-dollar movie series is normally an actor's dream, but when that franchise is the Fifty Shades trilogy, it may be considered more of a nightmare, given the films' poor critical reaction. Although the romantic drama immediately became a major success with the audience numbers, certainly didn’t equate to glowing reviews.However, Fifty Shades of Grey was meant to be the kind of film that made its stars overnight celebrities even before it was cast. That was certainly the case for Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan, who have opened up about the highs and lows of appearing in the franchise. Now, the series' leading man is pondering the entire experience and if he regrets taking on the role of controversial businessman Christian Grey.
Does Jamie Dornan Regret Starring As Christian Grey?
Jamie Dornan, who played Christian Grey, shot to Hollywood fame after being cast in the trilogy. He may have turned eyes years before as an underwear model and a guest star in Once Upon a Time but being the hot businessman proved to be his true breakout moment. Fans will never forget his appearance. He has a face that no one will ever forget.
Since then, it seems like fans want a piece of Jamie. And for the actor, this has led to several interesting projects in both film and television. When he took the lead in Kenneth Branagh's Belfast, it is evident that being in the trilogy hasn't hampered his career. Not to mention, he has become quite the voice actor too. And perhaps, most importantly, his big break has led to quite a sizable net worth today.
Although Jamie was not the producer's first choice for the eccentric billionaire Grey, he excelled in the role. The Fifty Shades film was released more than six years ago, and for the actor, that appears to be enough time to gauge the impact that the franchise has had on his life.
When asked if he’d ever regretted signing on to the sexy series, Jamie shared how he came to the decision in the first place. He responded to the question by saying, "Ultimately, no. I mean, I understood the job and the reactions. I was in the running for it for a long time, remember. It wasn't some split decision I made on a whim. I was beaten to it the first time by Charlie Hunnam and I felt a certain amount of relief when he got it, to be honest.”
He further explained, “I thought, 'This would have been fun, but it would have been a strange ride. Better not to be on that ride.' But he pulled out and then I got a call. And I got it. And there we go. I had to confront that choice again."
Although he was pressed more on the subject, he simply added, "Look, put it this way: it's done no harm to my career to be part of a movie franchise that has made more than $1 billion. Every working actor would say the same thing. It’s provided – a lot. There’s no shame in saying it’s transformed my life and my family’s life financially. I am very, very grateful for this and always will be."
After all, early on Charlie Hunnam was hired to play Christian Grey on the big screen, but he ultimately decided that it wasn’t the right move for him, and he gave up the role. Once Jamie was hired to star in the film, he also nearly followed the footsteps of Charlie by quitting. Fortunately, that did not happen.
Why Did Jamie Dornan Almost Quit The Film?
When Jamie was chosen to star in the Fifty Shades of Grey movie, to say it was a big deal would be a massive understatement. Sure, as it turns out, the salary that the actor received for starring in the film was relatively weak for Hollywood but there’s no doubt that it was a great opportunity. After all, he wound up making a fortune when he got the role for the second and third installments.
Amazingly enough, Jamie nearly missed out on the huge sums of money he was paid to star in Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed because he almost quit the series. Although it sounds like it wasn’t a perfect experience for him, he’s grateful in the long run as it has helped his life and his family’s life financially.
In the years since Fifty Shades of Grey, Jamie Dornan has prioritized dramatic opportunities, appearing in movies such as Wild Mountain Thyme, Belfast, A Private War, Synchronic, and Untogether.