One of the hottest properties in Hollywood right now is Fifty Shades of Grey, which is based on E.L. James’ bestselling novel that has taken the world by storm. It focuses on “a young female journalist’s S&M relationship with a billionaire” and Universal Studios, along with Focus Features, are planning to bring the novel to the big screen.
Now, THR is reporting that Bret Easton Ellis, the man who wrote the novel American Psycho, is hoping the write the screenplay for Fifty Shades of Grey and he’ll be meeting with the studios this week to discuss it.
Last week we heard that Angelina Jolie may direct but now we’re hearing that it likely won’t work out, so the film is still without a director. As for cast, it’s the same, nothing yet.
But, according to Ellis, he has his own cast and crew in mind. He wants David Cronenberg to direct and Alexander Skarsgard to play Christian Grey. As for the character of Anastasia Steele, he’s looking at Scarlett Johansson or Kristen Stewart.
All that being said, I doubt Ellis would have enough influence to have an impact on casting or director but who knows, he may have some say in the final decision.
Either way, I’d love to see Ellis write the film. He’s always been a bit controversial and the subject matter of the novel seems to be right up his alley.
We’ll keep you posted when we hear more.
