<P> The studio originally wanted Ryan Gosling for Christian, but he was not interested in the role . Garrett Hedlund was also considered, but he could not connect with the character . Stephen Amell said he would not have wanted to play the role of Grey because "I actually didn't find him to be that interesting...nothing about Christian Grey really spoke to me ." Hunnam initially turned down the role of Christian but later reconsidered it, following a meeting with studio heads . Hunnam said of the audition process: "I felt really intrigued and excited about it so I went and read the first book to get a clearer idea of who this character was, and I felt even more excited at the prospect of bringing him to life . We (Taylor - Johnson and I) kind of both suggested I do a reading with Dakota, who was her favorite, and as soon as we got in the room and I started reading with Dakota I knew that I definitely wanted to do it . There's just like a tangible chemistry between us . It felt exciting and fun and weird and compelling ." In response to the negative fan reaction the casting drew, producer Dana Brunetti said: "There is a lot that goes into casting that isn't just looks . Talent, availability, their desire to do it, chemistry with other actor, etc . So if your favorite wasn't cast, then it is most likely due to something on that list . Keep that in mind while hating and keep perspective ." </P> <P> During October 2013, actress Jennifer Ehle was in talks for the role of Anastasia's mother Carla . On October 12, 2013, Universal Pictures announced that Hunnam had exited the film due to conflicts with the schedule of his FX series Sons of Anarchy . Alexander Skarsgård, Jamie Dornan, Theo James, François Arnaud, Scott Eastwood, Luke Bracey, and Billy Magnussen were at the top of the list to replace Hunnam as Christian Grey . Finally, on October 23, 2013, Dornan was cast as Christian Grey . On October 31, 2013, Victor Rasuk was cast as José Rodriguez, Jr . On November 22, 2013, Eloise Mumford was cast as Kate Kavanagh . On December 2, 2013, singer Rita Ora was cast as Christian's younger sister Mia . Ora originally wanted to work on the soundtrack . On December 3, 2013, Marcia Gay Harden was cast as Christian's mother, Grace . </P> <P> In September, filming was scheduled to start on November 5, 2013, in Vancouver, British Columbia . The following month, producer Michael De Luca announced filming would begin on November 13, 2013 . </P> <P> Principal photography was again delayed and eventually started on December 1, 2013 . Scenes were filmed in the Gastown district of Vancouver . Bentall 5 was used as the Grey Enterprises building . </P>

50 shades of grey where was it filmed