‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ Hires New Writer

The behind the scenes drama of getting E.L. James’ sexually explicit bestselling novel to the screen may perhaps prove more interesting than the finished film.  On the heels of the announcement that lead Charlie Hunnam would be departing the role of Christian Grey in Sam Taylor-Johnson’s adaptation of the franchise starter comes word that the script is currently being tweaked by screenwriter/playwright Patrick Marber.  This isn’t altogether a huge story in it of itself, as many a Hollywood film has brought in other writers to work as doctor to their screenplays, but it raises a question as to what effect the overbearing press coverage of the film may have on the finished product.

Kelly Marcel (Saving Mr. Banks) still ranks as the credited screenwriter for the controversial adaptation, however Universal/Focus confirmed that Academy Award nominated Marber (Notes on a Scandal) has began work on the screenplay; the sexual nature of the script appears in some corners as to the reason that Hunnam may have back out of the project to begin with, but the studio alleges that the hiring of Marber for the script polish was done before the Son of Anarchy star left the project.  Curiously, Marber also wrote the short film Love You More which was directed by Taylor-Johnson.

The quest forges on for an actor to star alongside Dakota Johnson following Hunnam’s abrupt exit.  Possible replacements include Jamie Dornan (The Fall), Alexander Skarsgard (True Blood) and Garrett Hedlund (On the Road.)