When it comes to Fifty Shades of Grey, a film that will undoubtedly try harder than anything to be the sexiest drama of the century, casting for lead character Anastasia Steele’s mom just doesn’t get the blood boiling as much as the casting for Ana herself (unless there was some random “mom sex scene” that I’m unfamiliar with). Regardless, Deadline reports Focus Features and Universal pictures are currently in negotiations with Zero Dark Thirty’s Jennifer Ehle to play that role, named Carla May Wilks, in Sam Taylor-Johnson’s adaptation of E.L. James’ ridiculously best-selling novel.
I don’t think this will be a very big role for Ehle, though it’s possible screenwriter Kelly Marcel has added extra scenes to try and drive an emotional stake into things. Then again, I’m assuming the movie won’t just be incidental plot, title cards and 90 minutes of raunchy emotional sadism. Carla is kind of a crappy mother, and apparently not that great a relationship picker as well, considering she was married on four different occasions. She’s irresponsible with money and her time. But I’m sure she has a heart of gold or something.
In case you’ve managed to go this long in life without learning what Fifty Shades of Grey is all about, let me give you a brief rundown. Ana (Dakota Johnson) is a college student who subs in for a friend and interviews the rich and successful Christian Grey (Charlie Hunnam) for the school newspaper. They soon begin a sexual relationship that is based heavily on BSDM fetishes and emotional domination. Does it go too far? Does it not go far enough? Asking too many questions is just cause for a spanking where this movie is concerned.
The BAFTA-nominated Ehle started taking over Hollywood after starring in 2010’s Best Picture The King’s Speech, and has since had roles in films like The Ides of Marsand Contagion, and a lead role in CBS’s failed drama A Gifted Man opposite Patrick Wilson. She’s currently filming Jennifer Phang’s sci-fi drama Advantageous, and will soon be seen in Alan Rickman’s historical drama A Little Chaos, Mike Binder’s familial drama Black and White and José Padilha’s upcoming Robocop remake. Hopefully one of those film's gives her a meaty role deserving of her talent.
Fifty Shades of Grey is already locked up for an August 1, 2014 release date, and I’m sure some people already have their money set aside for tickets. But you’ll be able to see Ehle in Robocop in February, and you can watch the trailer below:
