28 Nov – Internet reports have been rife with Channing Tatum as the new forerunner to take up the role of the dangerously sexy Christian Grey for the movie adaptation of the erotic "50 Shades of Grey" series of novels, especially after his recent crowning of People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive. While he is fast becoming a fan-favourite to take on the role, Tatum had once been reported saying that he would only agree to take on the role if his wife, actress Jenna Dewan-Tatum would play the female lead, Anastasia Steele.
Other stars who have been speculated to take on the role includes Tatum's co- star in "Magic Mike", Matt Bomer, Henry Cavill ("Man of Steel"), Ryan Gosling ("The Notebook"), Alexander Skarsgard ("True Blood") and Ian Somerhalder ("Vampire Diaries") for which the latter is the most popular choice amongst readers. Angelina Jolie had also been rumoured to be directing the movie, while screenwriter of "American Psycho" Bret Easton Ellis was supposedly to write the screenplay until it was ruled out to writer Kelly Marcel ("Saving Mr. Banks"). "50 Shades of Grey" started out as fan fiction for the "Twilight" series but later spun into a trilogy of its own. Author E.L. James had admitted that the main characters in the book were inspired by Edward and Bella from the vampire franchise. The movie rights is secured by Universal Pictures and Focus Features with "The Social Network" producers Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti signed on to produce.