‘Fifty Shades Darker’ Replacing Jamie Dornan Due To His ‘Lackluster’ Chemistry With Dakota Johnson?

Fifty Shade Darker is currently in the midst of production, yet new reports indicate that the film has suffered more delays. The culprit behind the delays appears to be the lackluster chemistry between the two leads, Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson. What are the reasons behind this lack of chemistry in the highly anticipated sequel?

According Fashion & Style, producers are still trying to overcome the chemistry problem while keeping filming on track. Apparently, Dornan and Johnson have failed to bring the right level of intensity to the romance between Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele. In one scene, the two actors reportedly shared a “limp and awkward” kiss that left director James Foley more than frustrated.

At the same time, Ecumenical News is reporting that the problems of chemistry has lead to further delays in production. With the movie scheduled for a February opening, many are starting to doubt if the project will be finished in time. Why have Dornan and Johnson suddenly lost their ability to connect on screen?

For starters, Dornan’s new baby with Amelia Warner is thought to be one reason behind the lack of chemistry. Dornan is having difficulty concentrating while on set, because he cannot stop thinking about his newborn.

Dornan has since addressed the on-screen issues between him and Johnson. In particular, the Fifty Shades Darker star explained how he would have never landed the role if he and Johnson didn’t have great chemistry together.

“They wouldn’t have shot the film with us if there was a lackluster chemistry problem… whatever chemistry means,” Dornan shared. “You have to jump through a lot of hoops to get a part like this, and they simply wouldn’t have cast us.”

Dornan hasn’t been the only cast member to discuss the problems of chemistry. In a recent interview with People, Bella Heathcoate shared how she had a great experience during her time on-set despite her worry about being a newcomer.

“I was worried because it’s coming into something that’s already established like feeling like the new kid at school,” she stated. “But everyone was really lovely and really welcoming and hilarious. It’s a really good vibe on set, which I didn’t expect.”

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail is reporting that Dornan and Johnson have jumped right back into their roles with relative ease. In fact, the two recently filmed a scene where their character’s exchanged a passionate kiss while walking through Vancouver.

A picture of the intense scenes from Fifty Shades Darker was quickly posted to Instagram and revealed that both actors went all out for the shot. In the photo, Dornan is seen pressing Johnson against a brick wall while the two lock lips.

According to the Stir, the scene is actually when Ana and Christian first reunite following the events in Fifty Shades of Grey. The brick wall is right outside an art gallery that Ana attends in the sequel. Christian finds her there, and the two have an impromptu submissive session.

That being said, the scene was followed by a rather tense shoot that featured both characters walking solemnly side by side. The mood on set was very tense, which reflected earlier reports that the two actors were having a hard time with their respective roles.

At this time, it isn’t clear if the movie is on schedule or if the delays have pushed production back. Considering the tight window for completing the project, producers will have to work hard to make up for the lost ground.

Fifty Shades Darker is set to open in theaters on February 10, 2017, followed by the release of Fifty Shades Freed a year later.

Tell us! Do you want to see Jamie Dornan stay on as Christian Grey in Fifty Shades Darker? Let us know in the comments below.

[Image via Universal Pictures]