‘Fifty Shades Darker’ Casts Kim Basinger as Christian Grey’s Former Lover
In Fifty Shades of Grey, Jamie Dornan’s Christian Grey alludes to his former lover / sex buddy Elena Lincoln, who basically serves as his very own Mrs. Robinson — the two had an affair when Christian was just 15 years old, as if his whole situation couldn’t get any more skeevy. Today comes news that Universal has found its Ms. Lincoln in Kim Basinger, a fitting choice for the role of the seductive, experienced and confident character who will throw a wrench in Christian’s relationship with Ana.
According to Variety, Basinger is the first new cast member to join Fifty Shades Darker, which will introduce us to Elena Lincoln. Elena was friends with Christian’s adoptive mother and had an affair with him when he was only 15 (ugh). It was Elena who taught Christian all about dominant / submissive relationships, so maybe Ana has her to blame for her boyfriend’s bizarre behavior. Elena is Christian’s business partner and advises him on all matters personal and professional — and she is not okay with Ana, so there’s your drama for Fifty Shades Darker.
Basinger is no stranger to playing seductive and / or enigmatic characters, famously doing so in 9 1/2 Weeks, Cool World, L.A. Confidential and — my personal favorite — Wayne's World 2, in which she capitalized on her famous sex appeal for one of the funniest comedy scenes in history. For my money, there’s nothing more hilarious than Garth’s response to “Take me, Garth”:
Anyway! Dornan is expected to return for the two upcoming sequels along with Dakota Johnson, with both films reportedly shooting back to back. Niall Leonard (husband of Fifty Shades author E.L. James) wrote the screenplays, with James Foley (House of Cards) directing both sequels.
Fifty Shades Darker hits theaters on February 10, 2017, followed by Fifty Shades Freed on February 9, 2018.