Fifty Shades Origins: Author E.L. James' Intimate Role in Crafting Sensual Scenes with Husband

Discover the behind-the-scenes details as E.L. James spills how she and her husband, Niall Leonard, orchestrated the passion-filled moments for Dakota Johnson & Jamie Dornan in Fifty Shades of Grey."

The impact of the Fifty Shades of Grey movie franchise on erotic romantic drama is undeniable. Amidst global acclaim, the film's steamy scenes sparked curiosity about the process behind them. Delve into how the author herself played a hands-on role in bringing the sultry encounters between characters Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey to life.

Author E.L. James, the source material for the movie, shared insights into the unconventional preparation for the intimate scenes. In a recent interview with Today, James disclosed that she and her husband, Niall Leonard, personally choreographed the BDSM scenes featuring Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan. Picture the author squeezed into the backseat of their Mini Cooper, guiding the actors through the passionate sequences.

During this unique rehearsal, James humorously recounted instructing her husband, saying, "All right, I'll sit on your lap." Fully clothed, they fine-tuned the scenes while unsuspecting bystanders walked by to a nearby football ground. The onlookers couldn't help but feel a bit awkward witnessing the private rehearsal in the car. Little did they know, they were witnessing the inception of the iconic moments between Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey.

With the first film released in 2015, the franchise, based on James' novels, continued with sequels in 2017 and 2018. Following the journey of literature student Anastasia Steele, played by Dakota Johnson, whose life takes a transformative turn upon meeting billionaire Christian Grey, the Fifty Shades trilogy became one of Universal's most successful ventures.