Avid readers of E.L. James’ erotic novel will pretty much remember Leila Williams in the second novel “Fifty Shades Darker.”
As per Design & Trend, Australian actress Bella Heathcote has been cast to play the role of Leila, Christian Grey’s former submissive.
The “Dark Shadows” star will join Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson as they reprise their roles as the dominant billionaire Christian Grey and his current submissive Anastasia Steele, respectively.
In the original source material, Leila was described as a gorgeous woman who once was able to capture Grey’s interest.
She was also the surprise threat in Christian and Ana’s relationship as she apparently was left troubled after her submissive-dominant relationship with Grey ended. She then threatens to kill Ana, but Christian was able to calm her down.
Fans of James’ work commented that Bella was a good choice to play Leila as she was described to look like Ana in the novel – dark brown long hair, innocent face, and timid stature.
The 28-year-old actress also starred in “Pride, Prejudice, and Zombies” and will be seen in the upcoming film “The Neon Demon.”
The sequel to “Fifty Shades of Grey” will also see Kim Basinger as Mrs Robinson, the person who introduced Christian Grey into the world of BDSM.
In the novel, it was stated that Grey was 15 when he first met Mrs Robinson and that she was the older woman the billionaire was referring to whom he lost his virginity.
Luke Grimes, Eloise Mumford, Rita Ora, and Victor Rasuk will also be reprising their role in the sequel as Elliot Grey, Kate Kavanagh, Mia Grey, and Jose Rodriguez, respectively.
As per The Hollywood Reporter, “Ballers” actress Arielle Kebel has also joined the cast for the third film, “Fifty Shades Freed.”
Kebbel will play Gia Matteo, a beautiful architect who Christian hires to build his home. In the novel, Ana gives her the nickname ‘Miss-Provocative-And-Unfortunately-Good-At-Her-Job.’
Fans are waiting who producers will cast to play the role of Jack Hyde. Jack is Christian’s biggest nemesis and they go a long way back.
In “Fifty Shades Darker,” Ana will work briefly for Jack as he tries to seduce her. By “Fifty Shades Freed,” Hyde returns to mess with Christian and Ana’s life.
“Fifty Shades Darker” is slated to hit theatres on February 17, 2017, and filming is set to begin on February 15. Initially, production was to begin on February 9, but it was moved.
The penultimate film will be shot back-to-back with the final film in the trilogy and will both be directed by James Foley. “Fifty Shades Freed” is expected to be released on February 9, 2018.
Moviepilot notes that the same thing happened with the cast and crew of “Fifty Shades of Grey.” Back in 2013, filming was set to begin on November 5, but it was moved to November 13.
As for the leads Johnson and Dornan, they have a lot on their plate aside from the film that launched both their names to star power status.
Johnson has an upcoming romantic-comedy film entitled “How to Be Single” along with stars Rebel Wilson and Allison Brie.
In the film, Dakota plays the naïve Alice, who leaves her boyfriend to move to New York and into a new dating scene.
Speaking to Mirror UK, the 26-year-old actress says her role in the erotic movie has left men more lost for words when it comes to talking to her.
Dakota retorts that she doesn’t know why it happens, but she believes she’s an approachable person.
“The Black Mass” star also opened up about living the single life saying that her life has changed dramatically since she and Drowners lead singer Matt Hitt broke up last year.