Jamie Dornan has often spoken candidly about his time embodying Christian Grey in the blockbuster Fifty Shades trilogy, and one quote that still resonates with fans years later is his description of saying goodbye to the character as “bittersweet.” In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Tonight ahead of the 2018 release of Fifty Shades Freed, Dornan opened up about the mixed emotions tied to wrapping up the iconic role that launched him into global stardom.
“It’s tough in some respects, but it’s also really nice and kind of bittersweet, I guess,” he told ET’s Cameron Mathison during a junket in Paris. “I think when you finish any job, especially one you’ve been doing for a few years, there’s a sense of relief because you’ve given everything you can to it, but there’s also a sadness because you won’t be playing that character anymore.” Dornan elaborated that living with Christian Grey for so long—through three films filled with intense emotional and physical demands—created a deep attachment. “You sort of miss every character you play,” he added, noting he’d miss aspects of the role while being eager to move on to new challenges.
The sentiment came at a pivotal moment: Fifty Shades Freed marked the end of the erotic saga adapted from E.L. James’s novels, which had grossed over $1 billion worldwide despite mixed critical reception. Dornan, who replaced Charlie Hunnam early on, had navigated intense scrutiny, fan adoration, and professional growth. He acknowledged the “relief” of closing the chapter, especially after facing backlash and typecasting concerns, but the “bittersweet” feeling stemmed from gratitude for the opportunities it provided—financial security, massive visibility, and a dedicated fanbase that supported him through the highs and lows.
In the same interview, Dornan reflected on the personal impact: the trilogy transformed his life, allowing him to support his family and pursue diverse projects afterward, like the critically acclaimed Belfast (earning him an Oscar nomination) and Netflix’s The Tourist. Yet, he never fully distanced himself from Grey emotionally. “I’ll miss aspects of playing him,” he said, hinting at the complexity of a character who evolved from dominant billionaire to devoted husband and father by the trilogy’s end.
Even in recent years, as the films celebrate anniversaries and stream on platforms like Netflix, fans recirculate this quote during retrospectives. In 2026, with the series still sparking discussions (and occasional fan campaigns for a revival), Dornan’s words capture the duality many actors feel about long-running roles: pride in the work, fondness for the memories, and excitement for what’s next. He has consistently affirmed no return to Grey is on the horizon, viewing the trilogy as a completed era that shaped but no longer defines him.
The “bittersweet” farewell remains a poignant reminder of how transformative—and emotionally layered—big franchises can be for performers. For Dornan, it was tough to say goodbye, but ultimately liberating, paving the way for the nuanced, acclaimed work that followed. As he continues building his legacy, that one word—”bittersweet”—perfectly encapsulates the end of an unforgettable chapter