24 Oct - After so many potential 'Grey's' out there it seemed difficult to keep track but now Irish actor and underwear model Jamie Dornan has officially been cast as Christian Grey in the movie adaptation of the bestselling book by E. L. James, "50 Shades of Grey". The actor previous starred in a few acclaimed television series' like "The Fall" and "Once Upon A Time". Dornan was one actor who had been in the running over the past couple weeks after Charlie Hunnam departed the project. Charlie Hunnam infamously backed out of the project a week and a half ago, setting off a feverish pursuit to find his replacement. Hunnam mentioned a scheduling conflict as the reason for his exit, but The Hollywood Reporter reported that he was uncomfortable with the media and fan frenzy surrounding the project.
Dornan was reported to have screen tested with Dakota Johnson, who will play Anastasia Steele, last weekend. The actor actually was contacted before Hunnam officially dropped out and tested opposite Johnson for director Sam Taylor-Johnson, author E. L. James and producers Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti. Tony Award nominated actor Billy Magnussen and Francois Arnaud from "The Borgias" also reportedly tested for the role. Other actors considered for the role were Alexander Skarsgard, and more recently, Scott Eastwood. If Dornan's deal closes, he will be signed for three, and possibly, four "Fifty Shades" movies based on the erotic trilogy, assuming the first film is successful.