50 Shades of Grey: Who Should Play Christian Grey?

It’s no secret that the 50 Shades trilogy written by E.L. James is a worldwide phenomenon, clutched tightly in the hands of all women regardless of relationship status or age.  It’s also no surprise that the complicated, erotic-yet-romantic, and always addicting story of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele’s relationship has sparked the attention of Hollywood film studios.  In fact, I’m sure that if you are as addicted to this story as I am, you have already heard that Universal Pictures and Focus Features has acquired the film rights to this novel.

The obvious question is how are they going to effectively portray this story given its erotic nature? Will movie execs remain loyal to the fans of James’ work and stick closely to the storyline?  Or will they go for ticket sales and mass marketing, consequently compromising what makes this story so enticing?  The underlying question is will they settle for an R-rating, or give us what we want and opt for NC-17?

What I am even more curious about though, is who they will cast as the leads, particularly our beloved, but oh-so-complex Fifty Shades.  As soon as news of the film was released, rumors circulated that Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart were being considered for the roles, but so far that is not the case, much to my relief the disappointment of Twilight fans.

So who will grace the big screen as Christian Grey?  The film project is still in its very beginning stages, but speculation and hopes for who our leading man will be are spreading like wildfire across the web.  People.com has given us a few suggestions, and while I will match three of their leading men, I am going to raise them a few more of my own.  Here are some noteworthy contenders to play Mr. Fifty Shades.

Henry Cavill – Played Charles Brandon on the HBO series The Tudors, Theseus in Immortals, and will star as Superman himself in the 2013 release of Man of Steel

Alex Pettyfer – starred in the films Beastly and I am Number Four

Ryan Gosling – Need I say more?  If you live under a rock, look for him in films such as Drive; Crazy, Stupid, Love; Blue Valentine and The Notebook.

Ian Somerhalder – stars in The Vampire Diaries and according to US Magazine, already rumored to be in contention for the role of Christian Grey.  Somerhalder spoke to Ryan Seacret on KIIS-FM and said, “I absolutely would be up for that. It could be very, very amazing.  I have the book and I just started reading it. That would be a pretty incredible thing, and hopefully that could pan out.”

Matt Bomer – plays Neal Caffrey in White Collar

Chris Hemsworth – starred in films such as Thor, The Cabin in the Woods, The Avengers, and the soon to be released Snow White and the Huntsman

Other contenders include: Ryan Phillippe, Kellan Lutz, Cam Gigandet, Michael Fassbender, and Colin Egglesfield.  There’s even a Pinterest board dedicated to finding this highly sought after leading man.

We all know the description:  “attractive, very attractive” tall, athletically built man ”with unruly dark copper-colored hair and intense, bright gray eyes.” Now is your chance to choose your Christian Grey.  Vote for the actor you think will be able to capture the look and persona of Mr. Fifty Shades below, or leave us a comment if you think there is someone else that should be considered.  Universal Pictures and Focus Features take note, we will be holding auditions shortly!