E L James And The 50 Shades Interview We've All Been Waiting For...

British author EL James finally opens up about the forthcoming film and Charlie Hunnam's shock exit as filming kicks off...

E L James wears a black dress at the Fifty Shades Of Grey book signing in LA
E L James wears a black dress at the Fifty Shades Of Grey book signing in LA
(Image credit: Rex)

British author EL James finally opens up about the forthcoming film and Charlie Hunnam's shock exit as filming kicks off...

E L James has finally addressed the 50 Shades Of Grey film franchise's recent dramatic series of setbacks, and has spilled her truth feelings on that unexpected Charlie Hunnam exit…

In a rare interview with US magazine Entertainment Weekly, the British novelist admitted to finding Charlie's shock departure from the 50 Shades franchise 'disappointing'.

E L James wears a black dress at the Fifty Shades Of Grey book signing in LA

E L James wears a black dress at the Fifty Shades Of Grey book signing in LA
(Image credit: Rex)

Commenting on the initial fan backlash to Hunnam playing Mr Grey, James admits it wasn't an easy time. 'It was very mixed and I had to get off Twitter for a couple of days.'

'I wasn’t surprised. People hate change. I thought there would be a few people upset, regardless of whom we had chosen. It was intense, but people came around to it.'

And as for the Sons of Anarchy star's sudden withdrawal from the project? 'It was disappointing, but it is what it is', she continued. 'I wish him well. And now we have Jamie [Dornan], and that’s great. It’s been interesting with Jamie, [the fan reaction] has been so positive.'

Accompanying the interview were the first official shots of the forthcoming film's exciting new stars, Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan, who was elected as Hunnam's hunky replacement last month.

Jamie Dornan

Jamie Dornan
(Image credit: Rex)

Clearly pleased with her sexy selection of leads, James was nothing but full of praise for gorgeous US actress Dakota, who is set to play innocent yet alluring student temptress Anastasia Steele in the silver screen adaptation.

'She’s an old soul, but she’s so sweet, and she has a wicked sense of humour', the author gushed about her leading lady.

Dakota Johnson wears a floor length feathered gown to the LACMA: Art and Film Gala in LA

Dakota Johnson wears a floor length feathered gown to the LACMA: Art and Film Gala in LA
(Image credit: Rex)

The highly-anticipatedfilm, which has just had its release date pushed back to February 2015, is due to begin shooting in Vancouver in the coming weeks.

'I’m terrified', James said about starting work on the movie. 'Completely. I’ve been terrified from the moment I published the book. My mother was terrified of everything, and so am I. It’s a terrible way to grow up. You don’t expect this kind of success. Even now it floors me.'

We don't think she has anything to worry about. It's going to be amazing.

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