The hunt is one for the next Christian Grey. Charlie Hunnam and Universal Pictures decided to part ways and now Universal and Focus Features are back to square one trying to find someone for the lead male role.
The studios made the announcement on Twitter that Hunnam's "busy TV schedule" was keeping him from preparing for the role - even though there have been other reports suggesting he wasn't comfortable with the fame - and they would begin a new search for Christian Grey. Hunnam's decision will put the studios behind who have already given the movie a release date of Aug. 1, 2014. It was also rumored that filming was set to begin at the beginning of November, when Hunnam finished filming for "Sons of Anarchy."
Now that the 33-year-old has backed out the rumor mill has once again started back up with fans hoping their favorites will finally be cast as the kinky billionaire. One name popping up again is Ian Somerhalder. The "Vampire Diaries" actor was a fan favorite and he also expressed his interest in the role on several different occasions.
Now a new report is surfacing that Somerhalder might get the chance to strap up and play Grey. According to Celebrity Dirty Laundry, Somerhalder is reportedly trying to set up a screen test with Dakota Johnson, who was cast as Anastasia Steele.
A source told the website that Somerhalder is desperately trying to convince E.L. James and producers that he has what it takes. He thinks that if he can get a screen test and show them that he has chemistry with Johnson and they look good together he might actually stand a chance to star in the movie.
It was already reported that James did not want Somerhalder as Grey but it was also reported that Hunnam wasn't a fist pick either. If Somerhalder nails the screen test and has excellent chemistry with Johnson, maybe he could convince everyone that he is right for the role.
It's no secret Somerhalder wanted the role and at this point it might be beneficial to the studio to choose an actor who the fans not only like but who is genuinely interested in the role.
"One can never get bored of people asking about a huge project," he told Metro Online. "Everyone has to realize every guy in Hollywood is up for this role. It could be anyone - that's how it goes."
He also talked to the Associated Press about being a front runner among fans in the movie saying: "I think E.L. James just created a really badass, dynamic set of stories with some really cool characters."
Do you think the studio would offer Ian Somerhalder the role after Charlie Hunnam quit?
