Universal Pictures Scores Movie Rights to BDSM Novel 'Fifty Shades of Grey'

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Universal Pictures and Focus Features have emerged from a frenzied Hollywood studio bidding war with the movie rights to "Fifty Shades of Grey," a sexually-explicit, BDSM romance novel from British newcomer E.L. James.

While it's unknown what the rights sold for, Deadline.com is predicting a figure just north of $3 million, but notes that other studios put the sale at about $4 million against a 5% gross.

Regardless of what Universal paid, however, what James and her agent Valerie Hoskins sought and found was a collaborative environment in which maintaining the integrity of the book would be of utmost importance.

"The goal was to protect the material and its manifestations into movies," Hoskins told Deadline. "It is very sensitive material. It could become sleazy, it could become cheesy, it could end up looking like porn. It needs to be classy, sexy rather than full of sex."

"Fifty Shades of Grey" follows the bondage-happy, kink-fueled love affair between 27-year-old billionaire Christian Grey and 22-year-old college virgin Anastasia Steele. The relationship is deconstructed further in the sequels "Fifty Shades Darker" and "Fifty Shades Freed." 

Dubbed "Mommy Porn" by the NY Times for its appeal to women over 30, the Random House/Vintage book has become a runaway success much in the vein of Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code."

Related:  

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

LELO Launches 'Masturbitter' Craft Beer to Promote Male Sex Talk

LELO has partnered with Great Beyond Brewing Company to launch Masturbitter, a craft beer, to encourage men to discuss sex.

Xgen Now Shipping ZOLO's 'Stroke Off' Collection

Xgen Products is now shipping the Stroke Off collection of 11 handheld strokers and four masturbators modeled after lifelike body parts.

Nobü Unveils 'Gyrä' Vibrating Grinding Pad

Nobü has introduced the new Gyrä vibrating grinding pad.

Orion Introduces New 3-Motor Vibrator From 'Sweet Smile' Line

Orion Wholesale has debuted the new three-motor RC G- & P-Spot Vibrator from its Sweet Smile line.

C1R Debuts 'Vers' Suction Dildo, Butt Plug

C1R has introduced its new Vers liquid silicone suction dildo and butt plug.

Blush Erotica, The Kinky Candle Company Partner for Branded Candle

Blush Erotica has partnered with The Kinky Candle Company for an official branded candle.

Violet Voss to Collaborate With IronTech Doll on Realistic Replica

Violet Voss has signed an exclusive deal with IronTech Doll to create a sex doll modeled after her.

Honey's Place Now Shipping 'Teacher's Pet' Collection From Xgen Products

Honey’s Place is now distributing the Teacher's Pet collection from Xgen Products.

Zini Releases Reimagined Version of 'Roae+' Toy

Zini is reintroducing its brand with the release of the latest reiteration of its Roae+ signature toy.

Hustler Hollywood, 'Shameless Sex' Team Up for Workshop Series

"Shameless Sex" podcast hosts Amy Baldwin and April Lampert have joined forces with Hustler Hollywood for a workshop series titled “Shameless Ways [for Couples] to Have More Pleasure.”

Show More