Fifty Shades hires 'Notes on a Scandal' writer

The makers of 'Fifty Shades of Grey' have hired Oscar-nominated Patrick Marber to polish work on the script amid Charlie Hunnam's departure as the leading man.
Now, 'The Fall' actor Jamie Dornan and Alexander Skarsgard of 'True Blood' are being counted among the probables in the Universal/Focus' movie. Dakota Johnson is playing Anastasia Steele.
Marber's credits include 'Closer', 'Notes on a Scandal' and a short film titled 'Love You More', which was directed by 'Fifty Shades' helmer Sam Taylor-Johnson.
The move to hire Marber was made before Hunnam left the much hyped role on Saturday, said the Hollywood Reporter.
There are speculation that Kelly Marcel's script might be one of the reason's behind Hunnam's abrupt exit from the adaptation of E L James' novel.

Apparently, the producers are looking at a November start after Marber polishes the script and they hope to find a leading man by then.
Apart from Dornan and Skarsgard, the studio is also revisiting its initial list of possible contenders, including Theo James and Christian Cooke.