Fifty Shades hires `Notes on a Scandal` writer

Los Angeles: The makers of `Fifty Shades of Grey` have hired Oscar-nominated Patrick Marber to polish work on the script amid Charlie Hunnam`s departure as the leading man.

Now, `The Fall` actor Jamie Dornan and Alexander Skarsgard of `True Blood` are being counted among the probables in the Universal/Focus` movie. Dakota Johnson is playing Anastasia Steele. Marber`s credits include `Closer`, `Notes on a Scandal` and a short film titled `Love You More`, which was directed by `Fifty Shades` helmer Sam Taylor-Johnson. The move to hire Marber was made before Hunnam left the much hyped role on Saturday, said the Hollywood Reporter. There is speculation that Kelly Marcel`s script might be one of the reasons behind Hunnam`s abrupt exit from the adaptation of E L James` novel. Apparently, the producers are looking at a November start after Marber polishes the script and they hope to find a leading man by then. Apart from Dornan and Skarsgard, the studio is also revisiting its initial list of possible contenders, including Theo James and Christian Cooke.