50 Shades of Grey Movie Cast: Christian Grey Role Is Still Up for Grabs

What do Robert Pattinson, Matt Bomer, Ryan Gosling, Ian Sommerhalder, Andrew Garfield, Chris Hemsworth and Alexander Skarsgard have in common? Fans and the press have touted them all as potential casts for the role of Christian Grey – the highly successful and sexually dominant business tycoon who is the main character in E.L. James’ trilogy Fifty Shades of Grey -- and its upcoming film version.

For weeks, fans of these and other Hollywood male leads have set the internet on fire with chatter, predictions and commentary of how would best play the CEO on Grey Enterprises in the big screen. From the way he looks, talks and walks to the potential incarnations of the book’s steamiest scenes next to younger, innocent and virginal female counterpart Anastasia Steel (Red Room of Pain/Pleasure anyone?), Grey’s behavior and demeanor have been translated into the looks and personalities of America’s hottest male actors in order to find the perfect cast for the fictional character that has women around the globe going gaga -- and wishing they were in “Ana” Steel’s shoes.

And all of the sudden experts in Fifty Shades of Grey’s casting have different opinions in the matter. From “Michael Fassbender has the attitude but is too old” to "Robert Pattinson is too much of a pansy,” Christian Grey’s sweepstakes have been abundant -- it's like the Holy Gray of film casting (nothing like this has been seen probably since Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman).

The quest has even prompted academics to use police-related software and composite descriptions to come up with a Christian Grey first “portrait,” which sent Ryan Gosling and Channing Tatums fans crying in disappointment as the rendition does not resemble at all their idols, but someone who kind of looks like Val Kilmer of all people. 

And the rumors have been so persistent that author E.L. James herself has finally decided to address through her Twitter account. James, who just made her Fifty Shades of Grey novel the bestselling British book of all time said, “I am not making any comments on casting [for the ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ film]. No one is ruled out or in yet — far too early.” 

Both the confirmed cast producers of the movie, Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti, who also produced The Social Network, also recently informed fans that all actors and actresses are still "game for the part," and that the rumors are simply rumors for now. “All the rumors on #FiftyShades are just rumors… No one has been cast in any role. We have to get a writer and a director first.”

So, does this mean that Robert Pattinson is still fair game or the role of Christian Grey? Though James said she doesn't want the star of the Twilight saga to star as Grey, things could change if the eventual director thinks the recently heartbroken heartthrob is the man for the role.