“How to Make It in America” star Victor Rasuk has joined the cast of director Sam Taylor-Johnson’s upcoming film adaptation of E L James’ bestseller, Fifty Shades of Grey, Deadline reports. He’ll play the role of Jose Rodriguez, Christian Grey’s chief competition for Anastasia Steele.
The news comes shortly after the casting of Jamie Dornan in the title role, replacing the formerly-attached Charlie Hunnam. The film also stars Dakota Johnson, Jennifer Ehle and Luke Grimes with Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti producing the movie version alongside James.
Universal Pictures and Focus Features acquired the rights to the three books in the “Fifty Shades of Grey” trilogy in March 2012. Focus Features will market and distribute the first film in partnership with Universal. “Fifty Shades of Grey” has become a global phenomenon and the trilogy has been translated in over 50 languages worldwide since its release. To date, the “Fifty Shades” trilogy has sold over 70 million copies worldwide in e-book and print, making it one of the fastest-selling book series ever.
“Fifty Shades of Grey” (first published in 2011) follows the relationship of 27-year-old billionaire Christian Grey (Dornan) and college student Anastasia Steele (Johnson). Subsequent novels in the series, “Fifty Shades Darker” (2011) and “Fifty Shades Freed” (2012) explore the couple’s deepening relationship.
