‘Fifty Shades Darker’ Casts Hugh Dancy, Amid Rumors Of ‘Lackluster’ Chemistry And Production Delays

In the midst of rumors of chemistry problems between Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson, Fifty Shades Darker recently upgraded its roster. The highly anticipated Fifty Shades of Grey sequel has officially added Hugh Dancy as part of its cast, which should go a long way in attracting even more viewers to the theaters. But Dancy’s addition to the project won’t help if Dornan and Johnson can’t get on the same page.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Dancy is set to play the role of Christian Grey’s psychiatrist, Dr. John Flynn. In the books, Flynn starts treating Christian after his a former lover appears in his life. The woman that drives Christian to Flynn is his past dominant partner, Mrs. Elena Lincoln (Kim Basinger).

This part is perfect for Dancy, who previously starred in the psychological crime thriller Hannibal on NBC. Dancy walked away from the series with two nominations for the Critic’s Choice Awards and is currently starring alongside Aaron Paul in Hulu’s The Path.

Dancy’s casting comes amid reports that filming for Fifty Shades Darker has been delayed yet again. According to Fashion & Style, the chemistry between Dornan and Johnson is at the root of the most recent delays. Apparently, the two have been unable to recapture the chemistry they enjoyed in the first film, which has caused director James Foley to re-shoot several scenes.

For his part, Dornan has since spoken out against the rumors of chemistry problems. In fact, the Fifty Shades of Grey star rejected the idea that he has chemistry issues with Johnson and has stated that he would never have landed the gig if that had been the case.

“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.”

Although the first film was successful at the box office, Ecumenical News reported that Dornan and Johnson failed to impress critics. In fact, the two stars were given a Razzie Award for the Worst Onscreen Couple in their portrayals of Christian and Ana in Fifty Shades of Grey. Unless the actors up their game in the sequel, more of the same will likely follow.

That being said, Bella Heathcote recently shared some behind-the-scenes insight about her part in the erotic drama. In contrast to the reports about bad chemistry, Heathcote revealed that her co-stars got along great and they were all really inviting.

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

According to Collider, fans can expect a very different feel to the sequel. Although director Sam Taylor-Johnson tried her best to infuse some comedy to the first film, the sequel is expected to be more like a thriller in tone. Considering Foley’s background with House of Cards, and the recent additions to the cast, Fifty Shades Darker might actually live up to the hype this time around.

The only real question remaining is whether or not the movie will get finished in time for its release. If the delay rumors are true, then producers will not have a lot of room to work with if they want to release the film in time for Valentine’s Day.

Fifty Shades Darker is set to open in theaters on February 10, 2017. Fifty Shades Freed, meanwhile, is scheduled to premiere a year later.

Tell us! Do you think Hugh Dancy will draw some different fans to the theater to see Fifty Shades Darker? Let us know in the comments below.

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