This news follows the revelation that director Bradley Haag will be developing a reboot of Fifty Shades of Grey called “Fifty Shades of Grey and Blood.” See https://reelnerdspodcast.com/2025/04/01/bradley-haag-tapped-to-direct-gritty-reboot-of-fifty-shades-of-grey-called-fifty-shades-of-grey-and-blood-exclusive/
With Hollywood shocked, and sort of impressed, that Universal tapped Haag with directing the reboot of the trilogy, we scored an exclusive interview with the director about the upcoming project in which he revealed he’s already months ahead on planning, so much so, that he’s already cast the title role. Christian Grey will be played by web-series phenom and podcasting bad boy, Ryan Frost.
“Obviously I was surprised Universal reached out to me for this project. First, those movies aren’t that old. Second, I’ve never watched those movies OR even read the books! But they said that’s exactly why they wanted me. They thought I’d bring a fresh perspective to a billion dollar IP in desperate need of a new vision. So I figured, okay, if they want a new vision and they’re not worried about a guy whose never commanded a budget of more than $1000, let’s go nuts. I’m going to cast Ryan. Yeah, he’s not the obvious choice. But that’s what they said about Michael Keaton back when they cast the ’89 Batman and that turned out great!”
Ryan Frost may not be a household name, but podcast enthusiasts certainly know him and Haag from their ongoing movie podcast, Reel Nerds Podcast which will celebrate it’s 14th anniversary in June. When asked why Frost was his choice for the role, Haag explained, “Well, I asked ChatGPT what fans were looking for that they didn’t get the first time and it said they wanted more graphic sex. The originals were too tame. I’ve seen Ryan fuck and this guys fuuuuuucks. Big ‘ol dick. He’s screwed people over… and over and over and over. Also, you put a leather gimp costume on this guy and we’re basically making Pulp Fiction. Classy. Awards bait. It’s exciting.”
“I’ve seen Ryan fuck and this guys fuuuuuucks. Big ‘ol dick.”
For fans worried that a podcast host doesn’t have the acting experience to portray the complex sexuality of Christian Grey, a quick look on IMDb reveals Frost starred in the Reel Nerds Podcast web-series “Reel Nerds Podshow” as the egotistical and adorably malevolent podcast host, Ryan. Haag joked, “He knows how to play that character really, really well already, but this time he’ll wear an expensive suit with the Reel Nerds logo on it, haha.” Frost also appeared in an episode of “Ricki Lake” as a friend in a love triangle.
We reached out to Frost’s people about the casting news and Frost responded, “Yeah I guess I’m Christian Grey now. I still have some things to discuss with my wife but I’m pretty sure I’ll do it. We don’t need a script cuz I can just improvise it all. Brad knows I just make whatever he does better anyway.”
When asked what else he’s planning for the updated “Fifty Shades of Grey” franchise, Haag offered, “Well, it seems like people didn’t like the story that much. They just came to see beautiful people get naked. So I’m keeping the characters but dumping the story. I might shoot it documentary style. Probably more explosions. Anastasia could use a cute sidekick but we’re still working out if the budget could handle that much CGI. I’ve got all these real locations and blood, don’t forget the blood, sucking up all the money.”
As for who he’s looking for to play Anastasia Steele, Haag replied, “You know… I’ve been so focused on getting Christian cast – just the hours of storyboards alone – I haven’t given her too much thought yet. There’s a world where I cut her entirely from the story too. That would really shake things up. The studio would like that. Otherwise, maybe Emma Stone? I just saw Poor Things so that might be a good fit. But you know, also, maybe Ana is a dude this time.”
Fifty Shades of Grey and Blood releases Memorial Day weekend May 29, 2026.