This post contains spoilers, lots of them!
It occurred to me, internet, that I never reviewed the final book of the Fifty Shades series, Fifty Shades Freed.
Maybe it’s because I was too busy smoking a cigarette or being numb from the waist down, the reason doesn’t really matter, the fact is, it happened, I read it, and now I’m making Andy read it, because yes, I know it’s taboo, but women, real ones, really do like this sort of thing in real life.
The good news is, Fifty Shades Freed has the biggest plot yet, and it doesn’t have to do with sex! Ok, yeah, it does have to do with sex, a little bit, but I mean, I can only take so much humping before my eyes glaze over. To be honest, I’m just glad she finally had something in her backside, the build up was insane.
The beginning of Freed was a little wonky. A lot of flashbacks and jumping around, but it was a means to an ends. As in, we got to learn about the interesting parts of their wedding and honeymoon, without actually having to live through it.
I grew to love Christian Grey in this book. His character really developed and bloomed…even if the blooming was totally fucked up and creepy. And though my eyes rolled, almost all the way to the back of my head, when Ana misunderstood how birth control worked and ended up knocked up (seriously, did she grow up Amish?), I loved the twist it took, and ultimately, how it ended. Mostly because Andy acted the same way when he found out we were pregnant. Less spanking and anal sex, obviously, but freaked out none the less.
Honestly, I am just glad this whole thing didn’t end with a half vampire baby with a stupid name.
Now, on to the important stuff! As you may have heard, Fifty Shades of Grey was picked up by a studio and will be made into a movie. I know. I have no idea how that will happen, either. But, I’m excited all the same.
So, in honor of that, I thought I would help the Fifty Shades of Grey movie casting process along with my top picks…
Christian Grey… Armie Hammer, I will never not picture Armie as Fiddy. Period.
Anastasia Steele… Lily Collins, she is the only one who could play this role and not annoy me.
Kate Kavanagh…Ashley Greene, this was tough, honestly I can see Mandy Moore or Ashley Greene in this role.
Elliot Grey… Chase Crawford, I mean, what else is he doing right now? Is Gossip Girl even still on the air?
Taylor… David Morse? You know, that guy that everyone recognizes but has no fucking clue who he is. That guy.
Really, you should all be excited, because previous to whatshisface here, I pictured Chuy as Taylor. So. Yeah.
Mrs. Jones… Helen Mirren. I don’t know, I just picture her cleaning the Red Room of Pain.
Elena aka Mrs. Robinson… Ellen Barkin, as suggested in the comments, brilliant pick!
Who did you picture as you were reading this series?
Click here for my review of Fifty Shades of Grey and Fifty Shades Darker! Laters, baby.
JEESUS YOU’RE A FUCKING GENIUS.
Ian Somerhalder as Fiddy!
mmmmm yes please!!! tho i’d still love to see someone with the coppery hair…Jensen Ackles?
Ian Somerhalder as Christian Grey and Lily Collins as Anatasia Steele….definitly
I like your pick for Ana way better than any others that I’ve read. Dakota Fanning? Not sure I would be able to watch it if she were cast.
Just finished the last book yesterday. Now I’m feeling rather lost. What to read now?!?
Dude, I still feel absolutely filthy after watching Dakota Fanning in The Runaways last year, no way could she play Ana.
um eww at Dakota Fanning…..that’s just wrong.
Why aren’t you a professional casting director? My Fiddy has always been Robert Pattinson in Edward Cullen mode since I read this when it was TwiFanFic as “Master of the Universe” and Edward & Bella were the lead characters, but I’m willing to move on with your suggestions.
UGH, Renesmee…GAG! I read that some douche couples are actually sticking their offspring with this moniker IRL. These kids are gonna need bodyguards to make it through middle school alone and a shitpot of therapy….just sayin’.
How am I NOT a professional casting director!?
I wouldn’t mind seeing Nina Dobrev (sp?) as Ana
Fifty should be Henry Cavill… I know I know, people picked him but have you SEEN him?
The really interesting pick – who should be Mrs. Robinson????
Someone had thrown out Ellen Barkin – which is sort of brilliant I think..
YES. I could not place her, you just did, Elena is totally Ellen Barkin!
Please google Henry Caville he would make an AMAZING Christian Gray!
he’s a hottie! tho a tad hairier then I pictured Christian to be.
http://www.google.com/search?q=henry+cavill&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari#&miuv=1
I’ve been picturing Simon Baker as Fifty http://images.picturesdepot.com/photo/t/the_mentalist-6261.jpg
Wait. It’s going to be a MOVIE? Am I going to have to enter the adult section to rent it? I’m so confused.
Loved your choices except for Helen Mirren for Mrs. Jones. She’s too old. I am thinking someone in the age group of maybe Madeline Stowe. Who would you want to play Grace Trevelyan? I am thinking Ellen Barkin, Beverly D’Angelo or Meryl Streep. The part where Christian’s mom slaps the shit out of Elena was straight out of Dynasty epic. You need someone that could pull that off. Also, if Armie Hammer isn’t available for the Christian role, you have to think about Matt Bomer. Yum.
I really though I was the only person that was casting for this movie in my head.
Henry Cavill…..SWOON!!!
I just looked up Henry Cavill. I need to picture him from now on as i read the book. He’s hot! Maybe now i can finish without thinking Christian is a creepy douche.
I had Emmy Rossum as Ana Steele.
Christian Bale is my Fifty, hands down (and bound behind my back).
Yes! Another Christian Bale supporter!
as long as they keep Amanda Seyfreid out of it – I am over her. No to Dakota Fanning. No to Emmy Rossum – I watch her in shameless – she will never be able to pull off a virgin now. I like your picks though – no twilight people. Replace Ashley Green with someone. The guys you picked are perfect!
I agree with Ashley Greene. She really can’t act.
Okay, I haven’t read this series, and really wasn’t all that interested, but now I’m thinking this must happen.
Perfect! Armie is definitely Christian, and I also thought of Helen Mirren as Mrs. Jones.
First you did this to me with the Hunger Games and got me to read YA fiction which was something I swore I would never do again. And now I’m going to read erotica. Damn you.
But I loved the Hunger Games series so hard. So you haven’t steered me wrong in the past. Plus you mentioned anal. Not that I’m into that sort of thing (and not that there’s anything wrong with it if you are!) but I can’t leave that plot line unexplored. I’m curious that way. In a purely literary, I mean. I need to stop typing now.
I mean I like the books, but I just can’t with the whole “my inner goddess” stuff. And the constant “holy crap” comments. Just. Think of something better, EL JAMES.
Oh, and I totally pictured the guy who played that one guy in the Devil Wears Prada.. wasn’t his character’s name Christian?
Ahh SIMON BAKER. Yes, him.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0048932/
I am not really into BDSM tales, but I have to say that I truly liked this one. This was those types of books that keeps you glued to the pages; staying up reading into the early morning. I found it to be absolute addicting which is really disturbing personally.
This is not your typical boy meets girl let’s date and fall in love romance. Christian wants to dominate Anastasia and he wants her submissive. He comes up with a contract that he wants her to sign. She’s torn between her love for him and her fear of him.
I think your spot on except for Kate… I envision Diana Agron as Kate…. a girl next door blonde
I read the first one Friday and I want to read the end but done know if I want to read 800 more pages. Can I skip book 2 and just read Freed?
MATT BOMER all the way!!!! he is perfect!
however, at first i did picture armie hammer, but it could be because i had watched mirror mirror before. anyways matt bomer is just perfect his look and he can act!
Armie Hammer would be perfection! Oh my…that’s exactly how I pictured Christian. Wish you were really casting the movie! Loved all your picks except Mrs. Jones, I saw her a bit younger.
I LOVE Ellen Barkin as Elena. That’s who I’ve been picturing this whole time.
And for my Ana, Lily Collins is a great pick too…I was also picturing Felicity Jones.
Armie Hammer is a good choice, but I pictured Max Irons in my head. He totally matches how I imagined Christian. I like the Matt Bomer pick too!
I’m still stunned people are turning what started out as a twilight fanfiction into a bestseller…
IAN SOMERHALDER as fiftY! I’ve been picturing him the entire series. IDK about Ana. Cameron Diaz would make a great Elena I thought, or perhaps Nicole Kidman.
Emma Watson for Ana Steele? Although it would be REALLY REALLY tough to get past the whole Hermoine thing.
I will refuse to see the movie if they cast Amanda Seyfreid or Dakota Fanning.
I was actually thinking Justin Timberlake for Fifty, he just seemed to fit to physical description to a Tee, but Armie Hammers acting style would be much better. And I was also picturing Ashley Greene BUT as Mia, not Kate. Someone more like Rachel McAdmas for Kate. Last I tried but I just can’t figure out for the life of me who should play Anastasia!
Matt Bomer for Christian, hands down. *swoon*
I like Emma Watson for Ana.
IAN Somerhalder FROM VAMPIRE DIARIES…GOOGLE HIM, HES PERFECT AS CHRISTIAN…HE IS HOT
While my Fiddy is and always will be Pattinson in Edward mode, I know it can’t be.
Therefore, I have been re-reading the smut with your suggestions in mind….
I’m still digging the idea of Henry Cavill as “Christian” (Floved him in “The Tudors”–wanted to totally do him in “Immortals” and like the idea that Stephenie Meyer had him as her visual when she originally wrote Twilight)….I’ve just got to drop all preconceived notions of bronze colored sex hair, ala Edward/Pattinson. It’s tough!
I like Simon Whatever from “Devil Wears Prada” and “The Mentalist.” He could pull off all of the uses of the “baby” directed to Ana. In Prada, he called Andrea “baby” and she sorta ripped him an ass for it, but *I* liked it. Good call on that, too.
Ellen Barkin = genius!!
One more thought….the “inner goddess” bullshit is even more irritating on the re-read. Even annoying Bella Swan didn’t inner monologue about her inner fucking goddess. She was emo thru and thru. As “Ana” was originally “Bella” (hence the “Holy Cows” instead of “Holy Crows”–btw, Stephie Meyer what fucking modern teen do you know who uses “Holy Crow” all of the time. Also? For someone so well-read as Bella is, “Holy Crow” is even more fucking ridiculous. Sorry, rant over), I expected much whining, insecurity, cooking for everyone, refusal of gifts from wealthy man candy (again, stupid bitch!) but I am now entirely grateful that Stephie never gave Beller an “inner goddess.” Fifty Shades of Grey Because I Keep Vomiting in My Mouth Thanks to the Inner Goddess. :eyeroll:
Dammit Brittany! I shouldn’t have read this review…. your last one made me decide I did not want to read the final two… but now this one makes me wonder if I do.. shit.
I just started reading these books (because you’ve been reviewing them and I finally couldn’t stand not knowing what these were about). I’m on this book now.
All of these men are super fine, but whoever is cast has to pass for a 27 year old. Some of these guys don’t work for that.
Christian Grey = Joaquin Phoenix or Zac Efron. Phoenix has the market on dark and creey and I wouldn’t mind seeing Efron in a grown up role to do away with his HSM Disney image.
Mrs. Jones should be someone younger
Helen Mirren could be Grace – I like her somewhere in this movie
Mrs. Robinson = Kim Basigner or Nicole Kidman
I always picture Rooney Mara and Joseph Morgan. He more that can handle pulling off “fifty shades of f**ked up” and she would make a brilliant Anastasia.
oooh, Rooney Mara’s good. I like Joseph Morgan, but I don’t believe he can pull of the whole “get every girl around him to swoon” thing. But that could be personal taste, who knows.
Rachel McAdams would be good except for the fact that she looks too old to play Ana, I’m not sure Rachel McAdams could pull of a young 21-22 year old.
i’m sure you’ve already seen this – but just in case!
Ellen reading 50 shades…
http://youtu.be/on3JCwnwHbU
love your blog !
Check out Ashley Williams, She is a wonderful Ana.
Armie Hammer for sure!!!! He couldn’t be more perfect!! And holy crap, Ellen Berkin as Mrs. Robinson……. Genius!!!!!!!! Have been enjoying your blog. Started reading after meeting you at Joe T’s in Fort Worth. Keep ’em coming!
Matt bomer as Christian and Alexis bledel as Ana!
Love your choice for Ms. Jones and Elena! Taylor’s pick is GENIUS- exactly who I pictured.
Ian Somerhalder has been my Fifty since day one of reading!! I could care less who else is cast as long as he is Fifty!! Helen Mirren would be good for Mrs.Robinson.
I picture Ian Somerhalder as Ian Somerhalder. He is my definate top pick and I think he would be PERFECT for the role!
I picture Ian Somerhalder as Christian Grey. He is my definate top pick and I think he would be PERFECT for the role!
Okay, I love Matt Bomer, but he’s gay and too old. Love Simon Baker- too old though. Zac Efron? Tastey, too innocent. Justin Timberlake? I could definately get behind him, I mean that! As far as Ana, I love the idea of Hermione growing up in this movie, and Emma Watson would be great. And if Justin Timberlake was Fifty, wouldn’t it be ironic if Cameron Diaz was Elena? Just saying……
Okay, now I see the fuss over Ian Somerhalder!
Yes definitely Henry Cavill as Grey. Didnt Bale already do a sexy /creepy role in “American Psycho”. Plus he’s (in a whispery tone) kinda old….. Is that bad? Emmy Rossum would be perfect as Ana or Kaya Scodelario. Google her. Beautiful and talented actress best known from Skins UK.
I feel like I’ve entirely missed the boat on this Ian Somerhalder thing. He is SO not the Fifty I envisioned . . he’ll always be annoying Boone from Lost. He’s only 5’9″ . . Fifty is tall and has to be at least 6′. I’m digging your choice for Grey but can also live with Henry Caville.
Emmy Rossum all the way for Ana. Lily feels so young (though I know she’s around Ana’s age) it would make me feel uncomfortable.
Elena . . You nailed it! Mrs. Jones . . Helen Miren seems a tad too old. Maybe Blythe Danner?
Now who’s going to play Jose?
You have honestly hit the nail on the head with the cast picks. WOW!
Just started reading book one and I came across your blog to see what other people were saying. I LOVE Ellen Barkin! Genius idea. This is my cast:
C. Grey: Henry Cavill
A. Steele: Kaya Scodelario
K. Kavanaugh: Emma Roberts (as a blonde)
E. Grey: Kellan Lutz (as a dirty blonde)
G. Trevelyan-Grey: Jane Seymour
Taylor: Ben Miller (English actor)
Since I’m only on chapter 14 as of now, that’s all I envision so far. I love the series, but I wish people would stop picking Christian and Ana solely on looks. Yes, they have to be gorgeous, but they also have to have some underlying factor as to why they can mentally and emotionally carry out these “tasks.” I picked Henry because I feel his look is versatile: he can have this smoldering, sensual look; but he can also jump to playful, tender, concerned, or aloof: all in a matter of seconds. I think that getting someone TOO handsome would be foolish. Grey focuses on himself and his pleasure, but it’s obvious that he is more careful towards his “pets.” He wants them to be a certain way, not out of strict control but also out of concern in his own way. Going back to Henry’s physical characteristics, he makes that believable.
Kaya was a no-brainer for me. I loved her in “Skins” and in the show, she could exude this child-like innocence, but she could also have this sagacious quality that no one could understand. She had a backbone and she was beyond beautiful. Her physical traits play upon that as well. She can have an extremely pure, unadulterated look about her, yet she can also turn to seductive and yielding. But, Kaya also looks like she could have the balls to call the shots and negotiate terms with a man who doesn’t know the word, especially when it concerns sex.
I’d be so delighted to see these two play this role, but I know it’s a long shot. (=
Kaya is an amazing actress I picked her too. She’s not as well known here in the U.S. as some of the other Ana picks thought but I’m hoping to see more of her here in the states. Plus I think in the book Anastasia is a brunette with blue eyes. And Kaya has those stunning blue eyes. She’d be perfect. I almost think she might be too beautiful to play Ana. And I totally agree with Kaya’s acting ability. I’d love to see Cavill and Scoldelario in those roles. Both beautiful and talented actors.
Okay all this book has done to me is make me want to set it to a playlist. The theme song should be “Crash Into Me” by The Dave Matthews Band. If you doubt me, just goggle the song and listen to the lyrics….ohh baby. Then on my playlist would also be “Infatuation” by Maroon 5 along with “Secret” by them as well. By the second book “Get Higher” by Matt Nathanson. And for the hardcore, not so lovey stuff “Get Down Make Love” by Nine Inch Nails. Anyone else have any good “Fifty Shades Playlist” suggestions?
Have you read Fifty Shades Darker? It actually does contain a playlist. Pages 40 and 41.
Listening to the songs right now, but isn’t it fun to come up with your own?
Yeah, you’re right, it’s fun to hear a sing and think “oh this should so be on the soundtrack”. Suggestion? Halo by Beyonce :)
The Reason, Hoobastank
Yes….any song from Linkin Park. first 3 tracks are perfect when they are in the “playroom”!!