Here's one way to secure your place in the Fifty Shades's empire: contribute what will become a wildly popular song to the first film's soundtrack, rack up a Golden Globe and Grammy award nomination for the track, and wait for EL James to come knocking on your door. This formula appears to have worked for singer Ellie Goulding, who will reportedly contribute songs to Fifty Shades Darker.
The 28-year-old British singer is riding a major wave of popularity after her song "Love Me Like You Do," which appeared in Fifty Shades of Grey, received a Golden Globe nomination, which also opens up the possibility that it could be nominated for an Oscar. Along with The Weeknd's "Earned It," it was also recently nominated for a Grammy. Not too shabby.
There are now rumors that James and the sequel's producers would like to bring Ellie back on board for Fifty Shades Darker, which begins shooting in February 2016 in Vancouver. This tidbit has yet to be confirmed, but it makes logical sense.
Ellie's sometimes throaty voice is sexy, mysterious, and sweet, kind of the perfect symbol for both Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele's personalities and their complicated relationship. I love the idea of using a familiar singing voice to thread together all three films -- I think Ellie can pull it off.
More from The Stir: 'Fifty Shades of Grey' Soundtrack Gets More Than One Grammy Nomination
Since Ellie is steps away from, yet again, joining the Fifty Shades family, perhaps James should consider offering her the same opportunity as singer Rita Ora and actually casting her in a small role? She could easily play a nightclub singer. Heck, at this point, so many roles are still up for grabs -- including Leila Williams -- that the possibilities for Ellie are endless.
Hey, stranger things have happened. I bet few people believed Rita would nab the part of Mia Grey. Let's see what Ellie can do in front of the camera, as well!
Image via Xavier Collin/Image Press/Splash News