Released in Irish cinemas this week, ‘Fifty Shades Darker’, the sequel to 2015’s ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ sees Ana Steele (Dakota Johnson) struggle to come to terms with the end of her relationship with Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan). When Christian convinces Ana to resume their relationship on her terms, Ana accepts, but it is not long before Christian’s past threatens to come between the two.
To celebrate the release of ‘Fifty Shades Darker’ in Irish cinemas, Movies.ie has gathered together 10 facts about the film you really ought to know.
1. Irish connection
As well as star Jamie Dornan hailing from Northern Ireland, ‘Fifty Shades Darker’ screenwriter Niall Leonard is also a Northern Irish man; he also happens to be married to E.L. James – author of the ‘Fifty Shades’ books.
2. Out and In
Director of ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’, Sam Taylor-Johnson, decided not to return for the sequel. Variety reported that Taylor-Johnson and author E. L. James clashed over details surrounding the filming of the first movie, so it is perhaps not surprising that she decided not to return. ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’ and ‘Confidence’ helmer James Foley has taken over directing duties for ‘Fifty Shades Darker’ and the final instalment; ‘Fifty Shades Freed’.
3. Rumours
After the release of ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’, rumours circulated that Jamie Dornan would not reprise his role in the sequel. Happily, these turned out to be just rumours, with Dornan’s official rep debunking the gossip.
4. Censored
Whether the sex scenes in ‘Fifty Shades Darker’ are as explicit as the ones in the first film remains to be seen. ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ was banned in Malaysia, Indonesia, Kenya, Russia’s North Caucasus, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Papua New Guinea, Cambodia, and India, and the sex scenes in the film were entirely cut for release in the Phillippines and Zimbabwe. ‘Fifty Shades Darker’ has already been rated R in the USA and 18A in Canada.
5. Sexier
The version of Christian Grey seen in ‘Fifty Shades Darker’ will be even sexier than the one in ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’; after backlash that a clean shaven Christian was too clean cut, Dornan will keep his facial hair for ‘Fifty Shades Darker’ and ‘Fifty Shades Freed’. Swoon!
6. Casting
A new character appears in the film; Elena Robinson, a spectre from Christian’s past. Before Kim Basinger was cast in the role, fans campaigned for several actresses to take the part, including Charlize Theron, Kim Cattrall and Michelle Pfeiffer.
7. Working Title
While the film was being shot, it was under the fake name “Further Adventures of Max and Banks 2 & 3”, to throw fans off the scent and keep shooting secret.
8. Back to Back
‘Fifty Shades Darker’ and ‘Fifty Shades Freed’ are being shot back to back, so fans only have until 2018 to wait before Ana and Christian’s story is wrapped up on screen.
9. Soundtrack
Zayn and Taylor Swift sing the film’s theme song “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever”, which was released in December 2016. The soundtrack also features songs by Halsey, Tove Lo, Sia, John Legend and Nick Jonas and Nicki Minaj. The full album is due for release in February 10th 2017.
10. When can I see ‘Fifty Shades Darker’?
‘Fifty Shades Darker’ hits Irish cinemas on February 10th 2017. Watch the trailer below…