Jamie Dornan reflects on the intense criticism he faced for “Fifty Shades of Grey,” leading him to retreat from the public eye during the onslaught of negative reviews in 2015. Despite the film’s poor critical reception, it became a box office success, grossing over $500 million worldwide and spawning two sequels. Dornan revealed that he sought refuge at director Sam Taylor-Johnson’s house during this period.
In an episode of BBC Radio 4’s “Desert Island Discs,” Dornan shared that he and his wife hid at Taylor-Johnson’s countryside home, isolating themselves from the outside world for a while. Despite the mockery and ridicule surrounding the film, Dornan acknowledged the unusual experience of facing criticism for a successful project.
Dornan humorously mentioned the contractually obligated sequels, saying, “Alright, there’s a bit of ridicule here, and I’m now contractually doing two more of them.” He emphasized that he doesn’t regret taking on the role of Christian Grey, despite the challenges and continued association with the character.
The actor discussed the paradox of receiving ridicule for a successful film and how the role continues to be brought up, even when he receives positive reviews for other projects. Dornan acknowledged the lasting impact of “Fifty Shades of Grey” on his career, noting that reviews often highlight his past association with the franchise.
Since concluding the “Fifty Shades” trilogy, Dornan has been involved in various acclaimed projects, including Kenneth Branagh’s 2021 romantic drama “Belfast,” which received seven Academy Award nominations. He earned a Golden Globe nomination for best supporting actor in 2022. In 2023, Dornan collaborated with Branagh again on the mystery film “A Haunting in Venice,” which garnered mostly positive reviews.
Dornan’s candid discussion on BBC Radio 4 delved into the challenges actors face, including self-doubt. He admitted to being “massively” riddled with self-doubt but expressed that it fuels his desire to prove himself. Despite the criticisms and the public’s perception, Dornan remains committed to his craft and continues to take on diverse roles in the film industry.
The actor’s experience echoes that of co-star Dakota Johnson, who also navigated challenges during the making of “Fifty Shades of Grey.” Johnson emphasized in a Vanity Fair interview in 2022 that she signed up for a different version of the film than what was ultimately produced. Both Dornan and Johnson, despite acknowledging the difficulties, assert that they do not regret their involvement in the franchise.
As Jamie Dornan continues to build a versatile and successful career beyond the shadow of “Fifty Shades of Grey,” his resilience in the face of criticism reflects the complexities and uncertainties that actors often encounter in the demanding world of filmmaking.