Fifty Shades of Grey has added a new writer to help work on the script originally penned by Kelly Marcel, while the studio looks at more actors for the recently-vacated role of Christian Grey.
Quick catch up: Over the weekend Charlie Hunnam left the role of Christian Grey. He officially cited conflicts with his television schedule, but behind the scenes reports indicate he got cold feet about the project.
Today we’re learning that Universal has added Oscar-nominated screenwriter Patrick Marber (Notes on a Scandal) on to the project to “do a polish and character work on the script,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. In addition, the studio has started looking at new Christian candidates as production is reportedly set to begin in November.
Related: With Charlie Hunnam out, here are our new Christian Grey picks.
According to the same report, actors Universal is looking at for Christian Grey include Jamie Dornan (known for the U.K. drama The Fall), Alexander Skarsgard (True Blood), Theo James (Divergent), and Christian Cooke (the new Romeo and Juliet).
Even though these gentlemen may be currently under consideration, it’s important to remember that none of them are close to having the role right now. Universal is just getting the ball rolling on their new casting mission and may spend some time looking at a variety of actors.
Skarsgard’s name has been thrown around in the fandom on numerous occasions thanks to his good looks. James would be an interesting choice because he’s already attached to another book to film adaptation Divergent. The first movie will hit theaters this March.
Dakota Johnson is still set to star as Anastasia Steele and Sam Taylor-Johnson will direct. Fifty Shades of Grey will open in theaters August 1, 2014 if they’re able to make their start of production date next month.