British male model David Gandy has revealed why he turned down the lead role in the forthcoming ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ film, leaving the door open for Jamie Dornan.
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David tells Square Mile magazine that his instincts told him the role of sexual sadist Christian Grey just wasn’t for him.
He says, “Critics and literary experts aren’t fans but I respect it for what it is. But was it right for me? No. It just didn’t feel right, in any way. And in my gut, it felt right to say no.”
David Gandy says "it felt right" to turn down the role of Christian Grey
David, who has led successful campaigns for Dolce and Gabbana, Banana Republic, and recently been voted the second best male model of all time behind Tyson Beckford (“no shame in that” he says), reveals this isn’t the only role he’s turned down, either.
“I was offered 'Fifty Shades of Grey', '300:2', 'Hercules', which a lot of people probably would have taken as actors but I’m in the fortunate position where I like what I’m doing. I don’t feel the need to act,” he explains. “I know if you’re in a successful film, your status changes overnight. And I’m not saying I wouldn’t, I’ve read many parts that I’d love to play, things that I’ve chosen, though, not things that’ve been sent.”
“Sometimes it’s about what you say no to, as opposed to what you say yes to that can lead to success.”
Jamie Dornan is now the subject of much attention for his lead role in 'Fifty Shades'
David also tells the magazine how a career in modelling had never occurred to him, until a college friend entered him in a male model competition for ITV’s 'This Morning'.
“When people at college heard I was doing it, they told me, ‘You’re known as Model Dave on campus.’ First I’d ever heard of it!” he laughs.
You can read the full interview with David Gandy in the style special of Square Mile magazine, out now. See squaremile.com/magazine to subscribe for free. And here are some pictures of David Gandy...