What started as a self-published eBook turned into a blockbuster franchise, generating buzz and controversy alike. Here are 13 ridiculous facts about “Fifty Shades of Grey” that you might find hard to believe.
The “Fifty Shades of Grey” phenomenon took the world by storm, with its provocative storyline and steamy romance between Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele. Let’s take a look at some of these controversies.Â
From Twilight Fan Fiction to Global Sensation
Believe it or not, “Fifty Shades of Grey” began as a piece of “Twilight” fan fiction titled “Master of the Universe.” Author E.L. James originally wrote it under the pen name Snowqueens Icedragon.
The characters of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele were inspired by Edward Cullen and Bella Swan. James reworked the story to remove any vampire elements and gave her characters new identities, turning her fan fiction into a standalone novel that became a global bestseller.
Rejection Before Success
One of the Ridiculous Facts About Fifty Shades of Grey was that, before achieving massive success, “Fifty Shades of Grey” faced multiple rejections from traditional publishers. E.L. James initially self-published the book as an eBook and print-on-
demand paperback through a small Australian publishing company called The Writer’s Coffee Shop. It wasn’t until the book gained a cult following online that it was picked up by Vintage Books, an imprint of Random House, for a substantial seven-figure deal.
Record-Breaking Sales
“Fifty Shades of Grey” shattered sales records, becoming the fastest-selling paperback of all time in the UK, surpassing J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series.
Within just 11 weeks, the book sold over a million copies. As of now, the trilogy has sold over 150 million copies worldwide, translated into 52 languages.
The Infamous Red Room of Pain
Christian Grey’s infamous “Red Room of Pain” is one of the most talked-about elements of the series. This BDSM playroom features an array of sexual paraphernalia, including whips, cuffs, and floggers. While the concept itself might sound extreme, the film’s production team spent a staggering $40,000 to build this room for the movie adaptation, ensuring it met the wild expectations of fans.
Influence on Sex Toy Sales
The series had an unprecedented impact on the sex toy industry. Sales of BDSM-related items, such as handcuffs, blindfolds, and bondage kits, saw a
significant spike following the release of the books and movies. Companies like Lovehoney reported a 400% increase in sales of bondage gear, dubbing it the “Fifty Shades Effect.”
Surprising Inspiration
E.L. James drew inspiration from various unexpected sources. One such source was the 1986 film “9½ Weeks,” starring Mickey Rourke and Kim Basinger. The erotic drama’s exploration of a complex sexual relationship influenced the
dynamic between Christian and Anastasia. Basinger’s involvement in “9½ Weeks” is particularly interesting, given that she later joined the “Fifty Shades” film series, playing Elena Lincoln, Christian’s former lover and BDSM mentor.
Dakota Johnson’s Secret Role Preparation
Dakota Johnson, who played Anastasia Steele, had a unique way of preparing for her role. She created a private Instagram account where she posted photos and quotes that helped her get into character.
Johnson also read the entire trilogy and kept a diary as Anastasia to fully immerse herself in the role. Her dedication paid off, as she received praise for her performance despite the mixed reviews of the film itself.
Charlie Hunnam’s Sudden Exit
Before Jamie Dornan was cast as Christian Grey, Charlie Hunnam was originally chosen for the role. However, Hunnam dropped out just weeks before filming began, citing scheduling conflicts with his TV show “Sons of Anarchy.”
There were also rumors of creative differences and anxiety over the intense media scrutiny surrounding the role. Hunnam later admitted that the decision to exit was heartbreaking but ultimately necessary for his mental health.
The Contract Scene Controversy
One of the most talked-about scenes in both the book and the film is the contract negotiation between Christian and Anastasia, outlining the terms of their BDSM relationship. This scene
sparked debates about consent and boundaries in sexual relationships. Interestingly, the scene was almost cut from the film due to its explicit nature. However, director Sam Taylor-Johnson fought to keep it, believing it was crucial to understanding the characters’ dynamic.
Steamy Soundtrack Success
The “Fifty Shades of Grey” film soundtrack was as successful as the movie itself, featuring hits from artists like Beyoncé, The Weeknd, and Ellie Goulding. Goulding’s “Love Me Like You Do”
became a chart-topping hit, earning a Grammy nomination. The Weeknd’s “Earned It” not only gained critical acclaim but also won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
Cameo Appearance by the Author
E.L. James made a cameo appearance in the first “Fifty Shades of Grey” film. She can be seen in the background during Christian and Anastasia’s graduation ceremony.
This subtle nod delighted fans of the books, who appreciated seeing the author make a brief appearance in the cinematic adaptation of her work.
Intense Filming Schedule
Filming the intimate scenes in “Fifty Shades of Grey” was a challenge for both Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan. The actors had to establish a strong sense of trust and comfort with each other, given the explicit nature of many scenes.
To maintain authenticity, director Sam Taylor-Johnson implemented an intense and carefully choreographed filming schedule, ensuring that the actors had time to prepare both physically and mentally for each scene.
The Series’ Lasting Legacy
Despite mixed critical reviews, the “Fifty Shades” series left an indelible mark on popular culture. It sparked conversations about sexuality and relationships, challenging societal norms and
taboos. The franchise also opened doors for other erotic romance novels, helping to mainstream a genre that was previously considered niche.
“Fifty Shades of Grey” is a cultural phenomenon filled with fascinating and sometimes absurd facts that contributed to its meteoric rise. From its origins as fan fiction to its influence on the sex toy industry and its surprising inspirations, the story
behind the story is as intriguing as the tale of Christian and Anastasia. Whether you love it or loathe it, there’s no denying that “Fifty Shades of Grey” has made a lasting impact on the literary and cinematic world.
