Rita Ora To Star In 'Fifty Shades Of Grey,' Fans Predictably Furious
Previous casting troubles are apparently over for Fifty Shades of Grey, as Rita Ora is the latest celebrity to be selected for the film. The British singer is primarily known for her music, having kick started her career with the breakthrough single Hot Right Now.
Rita’s debut album Ora was released in 2012 and spawned three Number 1 hits. The Albanian-born singer-songwriter then followed up the success with a 12-date UK tour at the beginning of 2013.
In the film, she will play the adopted younger sister of Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan). Ora joins the cast of Fifty Shades in the wake of several casting debacles and a postponed release date. Sons of Anarchy star Charlie Hunnam was originally cast for the role of the young business mogul with a taste for bondage, but he backed out of the part due to conflicting commitments (officially, at least).
It's official! I've been cast in @FiftyShades of Grey as Christian's sister Mia. #FiftyShades
— Rita Ora (@RitaOra) December 2, 2013Following his exit from the project, Focus Features had to scramble to recast the film in time for filming to start on December 2. Production is currently underway in Vancouver, with Ora set to join soon. However, like Johnson and Hunnam’s casting announcements, which prompted an online petition for their immediate replacement, Ora’s didn’t go without some fan outrage either.
When the actress-turned singer announced the news on Twitter yesterday (Monday, December 2) fans of the books (and even some of her own followers,) responded with messages like “awful” and “You better not mess this up! Nobody wanted you for the part, just saying.” Not a very promising start there.
Jamie Dornan will play Christian Grey in 'Fifty Shades of Grey'
Dakota Johnson Will Play Anastasia Steele