‘Fifty Shades Freed’ Movie Cast: Who Is Gia Matteo? Arielle Kebbel Cast As Anastasia’s Competition

Everyone wants a piece of Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan)! Filming for “Fifty Shades Darker” has not started yet, but casting is already getting a head start on the third “Fifty Shades of Grey” book, “Fifty Shades Freed.” Author E.L. James announced Monday that “Vampire Diaries” and “UnREAL” alum Arielle Kebbel will be joining the cast as Gia Matteo.

James, who is currently in Vancouver ahead of the Feb. 16 “Fifty Shades Darker” production start date, tweeted a link to the Hollywood Reporter’s article on Kebbel’s casting. “Gia Matteo,” she simply captioned the tweet.

Kebbel tweeted her own message after the casting news was made public. She also replied to a fan’s post , revealing that her character is “spicy.”

So, who is Gia Matteo? She’s certainly a smaller character from the books, but still plays an important part in Christian and Anastasia’s (Dakota Johnson) relationship.

Gia is a beautiful architect who is hired by Christian at his brother, Elliot’s (Luke Grimes), recommendation. Coincidentally, Gia also happens to be Elliot’s ex-girlfriend. But fortunately for Kate (Eloise Mumford), Elliot’s current girlfriend, Gia is no longer interested in him. Instead, she’s got eyes for Christian, who at this point in the books is married to Anastasia.

While designing a home on the Seattle coast for Christian and Ana, Gia acts very flirtatious with the businessman. Christian is uncomfortable, but unfazed by her. Ana, on the other hand gets very upset and jealous when she sees Gia touching her husband. The old Ana might have stayed silent, but new and Ana decides to confront Gia about her behavior. Taking the first opportunity that arises, Ana warns Gia that if her passes at Christian don’t stop, she’ll be fired from the job.

That’s not the only dramatic role that Gia plays in the third and final installment of the “Fifty Shades of Grey” franchise. Ana also speculates that Elliot is cheating on Kate with Gia after she spots the two together while vacationing in Aspen.

As mentioned above, the sequel to “Fifty Shades of Grey” is beginning production in Vancouver this month. Filming for “Fifty Shades Freed” will take place directly after filming on “Fifty Shades Darker” concludes. Both movies are being directed by James Foley, who took over for Sam Taylor-Johnson.

“Fifty Shades Darker” will hit theaters on Feb. 10, 2017, and “Fifty Shades Freed” will be released the following year on Feb. 9.