10 Shocking ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ Facts You Probably Didn’t Know
Fifty Shades Became a Full-Blown Merchandise Empire
The Fifty Shades of Grey craze didn’t stop with books and movies, it expanded into all kinds of merchandise. Author E.L. James launched a themed wine collection called Red Satin and White Silk, clearly meant to add a little drama to reading time. Reviews of the wine weren’t exactly glowing, but that didn’t stop fans from buying it.
The Bedroom Boom Sparked by Fifty Shades of Grey
After the books took off, sales of bedroom accessories like handcuffs, paddles, and similar items jumped around the world. What was once considered taboo suddenly felt more acceptable for many couples. The trend even became a talking point in mainstream media. Of course, it also came with some eyebrow-raising side effects, including reports of rising STI rates among older readers.
The Mid-Life Crisis That Turned Into a Money Machine
E.L. James once described Fifty Shades of Grey as her mid-life crisis project, though the outcome was far from ordinary. Instead of a flashy car or impulsive decisions, she ended up with a global bestseller. The series brought in massive earnings and quickly turned her into one of the highest-paid authors in the world. On top of that, the movie rights added even more to her success.
The Story Started as Twilight Fan Fiction
Before it became a global sensation, Fifty Shades of Grey began its life as Twilight fan fiction. E.L. James openly credited Stephenie Meyer for inspiring her, saying the series flipped a creative switch in her mind. The story originally featured characters closely based on Edward and Bella before being reworked and renamed.
Jamie Dornan Filmed Wearing a “Pouch” Down There
Movie magic isn’t always glamorous, and Jamie Dornan proved that while filming Fifty Shades of Grey. To keep things appropriate on set during intimate scenes, the actor wore what he described as a “p---s pouch.” Dornan later explained it was basically a small bag that tied everything away safely. The mental image alone amused fans for years.
The Book Series That Crossed 100 Million Copies Worldwide
Before the film adaptation arrived, the Fifty Shades trilogy had already achieved something remarkable. It crossed the 100-million-copies-sold mark worldwide, outperforming many famous literary titles. The series also became the fastest-selling paperback ever and broke records in the UK. Considering its humble beginnings, the achievement felt unreal.
Dakota Johnson Was Hesitant About Playing Anastasia
Dakota Johnson didn’t immediately jump at the chance to play Anastasia Steele. She later admitted she felt nervous and unsure about taking on such intense material. The role pushed her far outside her comfort zone, and that uncertainty made her pause. In the end, that fear convinced her it was worth doing.
A U.K. Charity Tried to Burn the Book
Not everyone was thrilled by Fifty Shades of Grey. A women’s charity in the U.K. was so unimpressed that they asked people to donate their copies so they could be burned as a statement. The plan didn’t exactly catch fire, only 24 books were donated. Faced with an underwhelming bonfire, organizers decided to get creative and used the pages as toilet paper instead.
J.K. Rowling Refused to Read the Book
J.K. Rowling made headlines when she admitted she had no intention of ever reading the series. Apparently, her editor even asked her to promise she wouldn’t touch it. Whether that was playful advice or genuine concern, fans loved the idea of Rowling steering clear of Anastasia’s “inner goddess.”
Christian Grey’s Penthouse Was Filled With Real Art
Christian Grey’s sleek penthouse wasn’t decorated randomly. Director Sam Taylor-Johnson used her connections from the art world to fill the space with genuine contemporary artwork. Pieces from well-known artists appeared throughout the film, including works by people she personally knew. Some of the art even came from a former partner.
