Pop sensation Rita Ora has been cast in the upcoming Fifty Shades Of Grey adaptation.
The award-winning singer will play Mia Grey, sister to the film’s protagonist and BDSM enthusiast Christian Grey, in what will be her first major acting role.
The news was officially confirmed on Ora’s website but she also made an announcement on Twitter writing:
It's official! I've been cast in @FiftyShades of Grey as Christian's sister Mia. #FiftyShades December 2, 2013
The film has been in the news a lot recently especially with the inclusion and subsequent withdrawal of Sons Of Anarchy star Charlie Hunnam (much to the concurrent relief of many Fifty Shades / Anarchy fans) who was replaced by Irish actor Jamie Dornan.
It tells the story of the steamy relationship between mysterious billionaire Christian Grey (Dornan) and innocent literature student Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson). With artist turned director Sam Taylor-Johnson helming the film, and Irish model turned actor Dornan playing the lead, Ora will be in good company when it comes to career transitions.
But although we know her mainly as a pop starlet, Ora isn’t completely new to acting, having previously appeared in British drama Spivs back in 2004. The more eagle-eyed of you may have spotted her making a brief cameo in Fast & Furious 6 and this year she also turned up in an episode of long running American teen-drama 90210 .
Pop stars turning their hand to acting is certainly nothing new, from Madonna to Justin Timberlake, although it’s not always guaranteed to be a success (for every Mariah Carey in Precious there's a Mariah Carey in Glitter ).
With no major stars being cast, it will be interesting to see how this one turns out, but with shooting officially under way, and the UK release date set for 13 February 2015, it won’t be too long until we see Ora and the rest of the cast in action.
