The Next Twilight?! X-Rated Novel Fifty Shades of Grey Shows First Signs of Franchise Gold

E.L. James’ fan fiction novel is in talks for a big-screen adaptation

By Ted Casablanca, Alyssa Toomey Mar 24, 2012 5:02 PMTags
Twilight, Fifty Shades of GreyKimberley French/Summit Entertainment

While the lame, bed-breaking scene in Breaking Dawn Part 1 was so not worth the hype, here's something that is: The sexual, graphic and deliciously dirty novel Fifty Shades of Grey, inspired by none other than Edward and Bella themselves.

Currently, the novel's No. 1 on the New York Times' Best Seller list (an impressive feat, considering it's largely sold as an e-book) and the Vicey read's earned a massive fan following—even referred to as "mommy porn" by some loyal readers.

So where do Bella and Edward fall into the mix and when can we expect a big-screen adaption?!

Let's start with the Twilight connection.

The film's genre is fan fiction—meaning author E.L. James used Bella and Edward as inspiration for two new characters, Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey. Ana is rumored to be a revamped Bella while Christian is said to be a reimagined Edward.

While there are no vampires, aliens or supernatural beings in the novel, there is one very satisfying improvement: Bella Ana and Edward Christian get it on. A lot. And no, it's not some kind of rush of sexual teen emotion—à la Twilight—it's a full-on porno fest.

Why? Because Christian Grey only engages in dominant-submissive sexual relationships with women, and the innocent Ana falls hard for the older megamillionaire. Totally sounds like an effed-up version of Bella and Edward, right?

Yep, we fell in love right away.

What's more? The mommy porn was written by a real Twilight-lovin' mom (it's no secret moms are the most insane Twilight fan base), and the novel feels like a deviant reaction to the always-PG stories Stephenie Meyer loves to pen. 

And seriously, it's about time someone reacted to the virginal years of Bella and Edward. Ms. James may be taking it to the other extreme (and a bit too far for some fans) but we're happy to see a steamier alternative to Bella and Edward's unrealistic love story.

As for the big-screen adaption?

Considering no one wants to lose out on the next franchise gem, the Los Angeles Times is reporting Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, Fox 2000, Universal and Paramount are all battling it out for rights to the film.

We've reached out to Lionsgate, Twilight's studio and the frontrunner for the YA franchise thus far, and have yet to hear whether they have any interest in the flick. But it should also be noted the big-screen adaption will not be made for young adults and will be seriously watered down if any studio hopes to earn even an R rating. Yes, it's that dirty.

So as we get ready to sit down with our steamy weekend read, we want to hear what you Awful readers have to say.

Would you watch a big-screen adaption of Fifty Shades of Grey? Does it have what takes to be the next Twilight?

Sound off below!