Photo: Chuck Zlotnick/Focus Features
Jamie Dornanis reflecting on struggling with the reception ofFifty Shades of Greyand its sequels.
The actor, who stars inKenneth Branagh’sBelfast, attended a live chat withBritishGQwhere he spoke about the backlash surrounding the films.
Dornan continued, “You know that you’re going to have these movies that are for the fans, that the fans are going to love, that are gonna make a ton of money. But you know that the critics will be just, you know, licking their lips and that’s exactly what happened. And we knew that was going to happen so you’re watching that play out and at times that’s f––– difficult.”
Before Dornan was cast, Charlie Hunnam landed the role of Christian Grey, to which Dornan admitted to being “relieved.”
“[I thought] ‘F––, that’s great, what a nightmare for that guy. He’s going to have all this scrutiny,'” Dornan said.
Hunnam dropped out, later, leading the way for Dornan to land the role. He said he immediately “felt the wrath of hatred.”
Jamie Dornan and Ciarán Hinds inBelfast.Rob Youngson/Focus Features
Despite the negative attention, Dornan said he didn’t regret taking the role because it led to more opportunities in his acting career.
“The thing is every move I have made in my career, post those films, I have only been able to do because of those films,” he said. “Because all of the stuff, likeBelfast, Beyond Privateor any like well-received more independent stuff I’ve done the last five or six years, they’re only budgeting, they’re only paying for those films to be made off my name because I’m in a franchise that made $1.4 billion. That’s how that works. It’s all part of it, it’s given me so much, so of course, I don’t regret it.”
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
“Look, put it this way: It’s done no harm to my career to be part of a movie franchise that has made more than $1 billion. Every working actor would say the same thing. It’s provided — a lot,” Dornan said at the time. “There’s no shame in saying it’s transformed my life and my family’s life financially. I am very, very grateful for this and always will be.”
Fans of Dornan can next see the actor inBelfastwhich also stars Caitríona Balfe, Ciarán Hinds and Judi Dench. The film is now in theaters.
source: people.com
