James Norton: I auditioned for Fifty Shades… but they said I was too grey!

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In a surprising disclosure, charming television star James Norton admitted for the first time that he missed out on the main part in the sensual mystery film “Fifty Shades of Grey” due to perceived lack of charisma.

In the film named after him, the character of the wealthy and sadomasochistic Christian Grey was played by the Irish actor Jamie Dornan. This role catapulted him to stardom.

In the movie based on the title, it was Jamie Dornan who portrayed the wealthy and sado-masochistic character of Christian Grey. This performance propelled him into fame.

In 2015, the highly anticipated film, showcasing explicit sexual encounters between Jamie Dornan (from “The Fall”) and Dakota Johnson playing his dominant partner, hit theaters.

Previously obscure, Norton found himself catapulted into stardom following the unveiling of the initial season of Happy Valley the year prior.

In a standout performance, he emerged as the notable figure in the series portraying the psychopathic character Tommy Lee Royce, a role that continues to define his career. Since then, he hasn’t slowed down with his work.

During his tryout for Fifty Shades, Norton remembered the director inquiring about him being slightly more charming.

He shared with The Guardian, “It’s incredibly challenging to fully grasp what she was saying because I was so young and self-conscious that I wasn’t even sure what she meant!

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I can attest that the film adaptation of E.L. James’ Fifty Shades trilogy, which stirred quite a buzz due to its erotic exploration of S&M themes when it hit shelves in 2011, proved to be a cinematic treasure trove for audiences, despite receiving less than favorable reviews from critics.

It grossed £25.2million in ten days and became the UK’s biggest 18 certificate film ever.

Currently, Norton – best known for his roles in Grantchester as a vicar and recently celebrating his 40th birthday – is set to appear in two distinct television dramas.

Initially, he will take the lead role in the production titled “King & Conqueror,” a project of his own co-founded company, Rabbit Track Pictures. This historical drama, airing on the BBC, is set against the backdrop of the struggle for the English crown during the year 1066.

The drama production proved to be quite challenging for him, as he confessed it felt similar to taking on more than he could handle, stating, “It’s the closest I’ve ever come to feeling that way.

In the upcoming month, he will be the lead in House of Guinness, a Netflix series delving into the storied history of the Guinness Irish stout empire, penned by renowned writer Steven Knight, known for creating Peaky Blinders.

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2025-08-10 01:23