When Fifty Shades Freed wrapped filming in 2017, most thought the franchise ended exactly how it was meant to. But according to recent revelations from the film’s former assistant editor, the original ending was drastically different—and Jamie Dornan hated it so much he threatened to walk.
The alternate ending, originally approved by Universal executives, showed Christian Grey in a brief solo montage—sitting in his office alone, staring at a portrait of Ana, suggesting a more ambiguous, perhaps darker finale.
“It was meant to hint at control and obsession never fully leaving him,” the source explained.
Jamie Dornan reportedly flipped out during a private screening of the cut. “He stood up before it even finished and said, ‘Absolutely not. That’s not Christian’s ending.’”
He argued the scene undermined the entire arc of the trilogy—that Christian Grey, for all his faults, was supposed to evolve, not regress.
The most shocking part? He gave the studio an ultimatum. “Change the ending or I won’t promote it,” he allegedly told producers.
Dakota Johnson backed him up.
She reportedly told the director, “This whole franchise has been about Ana making him better. Don’t undo her entire story for one dramatic shot.”
In the end, both actors won. The ambiguous cut was trashed, and the final version—the family picnic and emotional closure—was inserted just three weeks before premiere.
Jamie’s bold move stunned insiders. “Actors don’t usually challenge final cuts like that,” one crew member said. “But Jamie knew who Christian was. And he fought for him.”
Today, fans embrace the happy ending as one of the most satisfying parts of the trilogy. But few know how close it came to unraveling—and how one actor’s refusal to compromise saved it.
