Fifty Shades of Grey: Casting Suggestions
Who's been confirmed, who's missed out and which roles are still up for grabs? WARNING: Contains spoilers. So if you haven't read the trilogy... Where the hell have you been??
Jamie Dornan CONFIRMED as Christian Grey
Jamie Dornan
Those with excellent memories will remember that Jamie Dornan was Keira Knightley's boyfriend, back before James Righton and Rupert Friend. Now he's confirmed to play Christian - and with those abs, we're not surprised!
Rex FeaturesDakota Johnson CONFIRMED as Ana Steele
Dakota Johnson is Hollywood royalty if we ever saw it: she's the daughter of Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson, and the step-daughter of the delectable Antonio Banderas. She's already appeared in The Social Network (as JT's one-night-stand) and was in the finale of The American Office.
PA PhotosJennifer Ehle RUMOURED to be Carla
Until now, Jennifer Ehle was best-known for her BAFTA-winning role as Elizabeth Bennet, opposite Colin Firth, in the BBC version of Pride & Prejudice. That all might be about to change as Deadline are claiming she's in the running to play Ana's wacky mother, Carla.
But who else was in the running to star in 50 Shades?
Rex FeaturesCharlie Hunnam DROPPED OUT PLAYING Christian Grey
Newcastle-born actor Charlie Hunnam was cast as troubled billionaire Christian Grey but dropped out in October due to his hectic TV filming schedule. Apparently.
You might recognise him from US hit Sons Of Anarchy or, if you have a very good memory, from Byker Grove. See who else was originally linked to the film...
PA PhotosChristian Grey:
Ryan Gosling
Anyone who saw Ryan’s turn as perpetually-shirtless Jacob in Crazy, Stupid Love will know that he does ‘sexy’ very, very well. But can Ryan also pull off dark, brooding and damaged? We have to admit, we wouldn’t have minded seeing him give it a bash.
PA PhotosChris Pine
Star Trek’s generation X Captain Kirk was rumoured to be taking the role of the BDSM billionaire, but he recently quashed speculation, stating: “I’m not doing it, no. I don’t posses a Michael Fassbender deep desire to let it all [hang out].”
Rex FeaturesPaul Walker
Brooding and mercurial, we could easily picture Paul Walker as the enigmatic billionaire. Plus, with a body like that, the raunchier scenes were practically written for him. But might he just be a tad too old?
PA PhotosMichael Fassbender
Speaking of which...Dapper, copper-locked and not adverse to full-frontal nudity in the name of art - it’s no wonder fans and critics alike are flagging Michael for the role of playroom playboy Grey. He already looks like he's got a perpetually twitching palm…
PA PhotosTom Hiddleston
He’s our GLAMOUR Man Of The Year and he’s also mega sexy. He can do the kind, lovely man routine – have you seen War Horse? – and with his superhero movie role Loki in Thor, we’ve seen him do baddy too. All in all, perfect Christian Grey, non?
PA PhotosAaron Johnson
Or how about British actor Aaron Johnson? Known for his piercing blue eyes and chiselled jaw, not only has he got the American accent down pat but he’s also not one to shy away from a daring role or two.
PA PhotosRobert Pattinson
Considering Fifty Shades… is essentially Twilight on sex-crazed steroids - minus the fangs (although it's kept the biting intact), and the novel’s description of Christian is basically R-Patz in Edward Cullen mode, it’s no surprise readers pictured Rob as they read it. However, it's for that reason many fans think he’d be best to sit this one out.
PA PhotosAlex Skarsgaard
The True Blood hottie hadn’t even heard of Fifty Shades… until a reporter brought it up to him in an interview, but now he's got legions of ladies rooting for him to play the lead. In terms of sex appeal and intensity, he sure ticks all the boxes. And wouldn’t he seem, how do we say, ‘at home’ in Grey’s infamous Red Room Of Pain?
Rex FeaturesRyan Phillippe
The press have recently linked Ryan to the role - and any teenage girl who saw his turn as dastardly de-flowerer Sebastian in Cruel Intentions will know that he sure knows how to smoulder in the sack.
Rex FeaturesAlex Pettyfer
The I Am Number Four babe is rumoured to be a favourite for the role of Grey, but with his recent confession that he’s embarrassed by nudity, would he really be able to handle the hardcore hotness required by the script? Shackles and floggers and ropes, oh my! Maybe those casting agents should spare his blushes.
PA PhotosHenry Cavill
The British babe has already been cast as Superman in the upcoming big-screen blockbuster, but many of you would rather see him in a different kind of suit… Henry already lost out to R-Patz in the role of Twilight’s Edward Cullen, could *Fifty Shades…*be his chance to shine?
Rex FeaturesCillian Murphy
He’s the beautiful Irish actor, who has already made a name for himself in Hollywood. With his piercing green eyes and those chiseled features, we could definitely envisage Cillian as Mr. Fifty Shades. Plus, in real life Cillian has a son called Carrick… Christian’s dad in the book is called Carrick… It’s got to be a sign!
Rex FeaturesEddie Redmayne
He’s completely beautiful – just ask Burberry, for whom he has modelled twice – utterly suave and in his latest film, Hick, he plays one of his most dark and dangerous characters to date. We can totally picture him as Mr. Grey.
Rex FeaturesMatt Bomer
Many fans of the trilogy have chosen Matt as their fantasy Christian Grey, no doubt assisted by his chiselled jaw and penetrating eyes. And have you seen White Collar? He looks so good in those business suits, he makes us want to see him out of them.
PA PhotosChris Hemsworth
He played a Demigod, for pete’s sake - so surely Chris could take on the role of a sex god with ease? While some fans are championing him as their fantasy Christian Grey, we’re not sure the Thor pin-up is who we’d cast as everyone’s favourite dark and damaged sadomasochist. Plus, we all know Christian’s chest is a no-go area, and DAMN, we’d wanna touch that chest!
Rex FeaturesJake Gyllenhaal
Jake Gyllenhaal has also expressed his interest in the role, too. Speaking to Ryan Seacrest, the actor said that he hadn't realised his name was being linked to the movie: "That's super flattering... I mean, I have not heard that, but if that's true then that's a nice thing. It's always nice to be considered." When asked if he would say "yes" to the role, the actor said: "Yeah, of course! I always want to work, man, of course." If he does go for the role, we hope he gets rid of that beard!
Ed Westwick
It’s simple, Chuck Bass = Christian Grey. And just imagine if Leighton Meester got the role of Ana, too. #CastingHeaven
Justin Timberlake
Having made a name for himself in movies over the last few years, we reckon JT is a strong contender for the role of Christian Grey. But with recent reports suggesting that Justin is making a return to music, will Mr. Timberlake even want the part?
Rex FeaturesCam Gigandet
He played the dark and dangerous vampire James, who came to a sticky end, in the first Twilight movie, and we can so see Cam as the mercurial Christian Grey, too.
PA PhotosChristian Bale
Dark, brooding, chiselled and disturbingly alluring - it would be easy to picture Christian Bale as Christian Grey. However, we fear we’re picturing him in his American Psycho glory days rather than in the now, and at 38, is Bale too old?
PA PhotosGLAMOUR’S CHOICE #1: Ian Somerhalder
Just one short interview with Ryan Seacrest and suddenly, Ian Smoulder…sorry, Somerhalder, is the name on everybody’s lips. Legions of Fifty Shades… and Vampire Diariesfans alike agree that he's already got the look nailed, but also the goods to back it up: his ability to transform from a wicked, bloodthirsty vamp to a gentle, protective lover means he’d have no trouble portraying Christian’s fifty shades of f***ed up (his words, not ours). And did we mention the smoulder? Yes, our inner goddesses are reeling.
PA PhotosAnastasia Steele:
Kristen Stewart
It should come as no surprise that Twi-hards are rallying around K-Stew to immortalise Ana, but personally, we think the Fifty Shades saga needs some fresh faces. Although, if Kristen wasn’t already the perfect Bella Swan, we think she’d make the perfect Ana.
PA PhotosEmilia Clarke
Game of Thrones' sultry, strong-willed Daenerys is being championed by fans and critics alike to tackle the role of the equally sultry, strong-willed Anastasia.
PA PhotosShailene Woodley
But of course, it could be Shailene Woodley... The Descendants star is reportedly the preferred choice for Fifty Shades author E. L. James, and as one of Hollywood's up-and-coming starlets, we could definitely see the 20-year-old actress take on the role of college grad Ana Steele. Watch this space.
Rex FeaturesLeighton Meester
She’s played the prim-and-proper, yet ultimately sassy, Blair Waldorf for years and while there are multiple parallels between the two characters, would we ever be able to picture Leighton as anyone other than everyone’s favourite Gossip Girl? Hmm...
Rex FeaturesNina Dobrev
The Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev is already enjoying an off-screen romance with her co-star and GLAMOUR’s second-favourite-to-play Christian Grey, Ian Somerhalder... Reckon the two of them could pull it off? Or does the very idea of it make your blood run cold?
PA PhotosEmma Roberts
The niece of Oscar-winning actress Julia has confessed she’d love to portray Ana, despite never having read the best-selling trilogy: "I haven't read it…but yeah, it sounds awesome. Anything racy, hot. Sure, let's get hot." Indeed.
PA PhotosAlexis Bledel
Having found fame as Rory Gilmore in The Gilmore Girls, Alexis Bledel is one of the silent contenders for the role of Ana Steele. Despite hitting 30 earlier this year, we don’t reckon that Alexis looks a day over 21, and with her long chestnut locks and piercing blue eyes, we can definitely picture her as Christian’s love interest.
PA PhotosMiley Cyrus
She proved her acting stripes in The Last Song and, although this role won’t require much, (read: any) singing, Miley could well be in the running for the part of Ana - especially as she’s soon to join the dynastic Hemsworth acting clan. Plus, she famously sang Can’t Be Tamed #justsaying #ifthebootfits.
PA PhotosEmma Watson
It would appear that Emma is also a favourite amongst fans, and if the young starlet is looking to break away from Hermione, the more, ahem, ‘adult’ role of Anastasia Steele is guaranteed to shake off the Harry Potter image forever.
PA PhotosMila Kunis
Many Fifty fans have suggested Mila for the role of submissive-turned-lover Ana, stating her big, bright eyes and sassy spunk make her perfect for the part.
PA PhotosMichelle Tratchenberg
Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke reportedly wanted Michelle to play Bella Swan, but she had a scheduling conflict and had to pass. Could the role of Anastasia Steele be her chance to shine?
Rex FeaturesSelena Gomez
Disney princess and Little Miss Justin Bieber was the latest name being passed around Hollywood circles regarding the role of Ana, but the starlet has now ruled it out, saying the sexually-charged material is a little too risqué for her: "I know I'm taking risks [with new roles], but I don't think I could do that! That would be a little too much for me. I think someone older should do that part."
PA PhotosEmmy Rossum
The pretty actress’ name has featured throughout fan polls across the globe when asked who they’d love to play Ana. With her big, bright eyes and flowing brunette locks, the The Phantom of the Opera starlet has certainly got the look down.
Rex FeaturesLucy Hale
The Pretty Little Liars starlet is reportedly coveting the lead in Fifty Shades…. When asked about the project at the MTV Awards, Lucy said: “I just finished the first book. I'm speechless. I think every girl on the carpet wants to play [Anastasia Steele]. That would be freaking awesome.”
Rex FeaturesAshley Greene
Given the link between Twilight and Fifty Shades anyway, Ashley seems like a good bet. Not only has she got the look but this would be her chance to take on a leading role in a departure from the wholesome image of Alice Cullen.
Rex FeaturesAshley Benson
It would appear Lucy’s Pretty Little Liars co-star would agree. The actress said recently: “I’ve read every book. I want to play Anastasia.” When told her fans have been vying to get her cast as Kate, Anastasia’s best friend, she replied: “Kate is awesome. I like all the characters, but Anastasia? I love her so much!”
Rex FeaturesLily Collins
We’re not sure how Papa Collins would react to seeing his girl bound and gagged for Christian’s pleasure, but Lily is a definitely a star on the rise, and the role of Ana would no doubt see her star soar.
PADakota Fanning
However, there could be another in the running for the coveted role of Ana Steele. When talking to GLAMOUR.com about taking on the mantel, Dakota said: “I never say never to anything but I don't know. I have read the books.”
PA PhotosGLAMOUR’S CHOICE #2: Felicity Jones
Despite being 29, British-born Felicity Jones doesn’t look a day over 21, thus making her perfect, perfect, PERFECT for the role of Ana. She’s got the pale skin, the dark brunette locks and the pout to make Christian Grey go wild, plus, this could really put her on the map, too.
Rex FeaturesGLAMOUR’S CHOICE #1: Elizabeth Olsen
Yes, we know, she’s not brunette! The younger Olsen sister has become something of an indie darling over the past year, but the role of college graduate-turned-playmate Ana could turn her into a household name. She’s beautiful, sensual, with a hint of shy innocence and a dash of seductive temptress about her. What’s more, she looks like she can blush and chew her bottom lip like a champ.
Rex FeaturesElena - AKA Mrs. Robinson:
Charlize TheronBlonde Charlize sure has the looks to pull off the role of Elena Lincoln, the intimidatingly-beautiful ex-Dominant of Christian Grey, and the third person in Ana’s relationship with him - and the multi-faceted actress has had her fair share of steamy sex scenes in the name of art. But at 36, is the Oscar-winner too youthful for the role?
PA PhotosMichelle Pfeiffer
Veteran Hollywood beauty Michelle is definitely stunning enough to play Elena. What’s more - black leather? Whip? As Catwoman, she’s certainly been there, done that!
Rex FeaturesGwyneth Paltrow
However, we can totally envisage the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow immortalising the enigmatic Mrs. Robinson. With her sleek blonde hair and killer figure, surely she’s perfect for the role?
PA PhotosKim Cattrall
As Sex And The City’s Samantha, Kim is no stranger to bondage, leather and ropes, or corrupting younger men for that matter, but we’re not sure she’s edgy enough to pull off Elena’s dark side. Plus, she’ll always be the ever-hilarious, ever-filthy Sam Jones in our eyes.
Rex FeaturesTea Leoni
The stunning actress is another name being tossed around fan sites of Fifty Shades as the perfect Elena. And word of her saucy sex-life with hubby David ‘Mulder’ Duchovny will no doubt help her cause should she want the part.
PA PhotosKate Winslet
Our money is on British actress Kate Winslet though. Known for tackling diverse characters, we can totally picture Kate as the unpredictable dominatrix with a perfect head of blonde hair.
PA PhotosSharon Stone
Anyone who's seen Basic Instinct could explain why Shazzer is a popular suggestion to play Mrs Robinson. She sure does manipulative, maniacal, sex-crazed dominatrix well.
Rex FeaturesNicole Kidman
Nicole’s intimidating, ethereal beauty and sass would no doubt bring a certain edge to the role of Mrs. Robinson. And anyone who saw her bewitching turn in Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut will know she can do ‘sexy’ with her eyes (wide) shut.
PA PhotosSofia Vergara
She’s a Latino bombshell known to make men across the world go weak at the knees, could Sofia bring Mrs. Robinson to live on the big screen?
PANaomi Watts
We love Naomi here at GLAMOUR Towers, and it appears we’re not alone. Plenty of critics and fans alike have flagged the stunning Aussie as their top choice for Elena, the ever-present thorn in Ana’s side. Well, imagine if your boyfriend’s ex was Naomi Watts!
Rex FeaturesCate Blanchett
Or how about the lovely Cate Blanchett? Known for taking on difficult roles, Cate could be another perfect candidate for the troubled Elena Lincoln.
Rex FeaturesEllen Barkin
At 58, some would argue that Ellen’s too old for the role of Christian’s very own Mrs Robinson, but most are championing the spunky actress for the part. Her platinum blonde bob is spot-on, sure - but it’s the fact that she looks like she’d be perfectly at home in a red room of pain, brandishing a flogger, that really seals the deal.
PA PhotosGLAMOUR’s CHOICE: Uma Thurman
With her flawless features, platinum blonde, poker-straight locks and steely glare, Uma certainly has the look and the edge to pull off the role of the domineering cougar who corrupted Christian at a young age. And at 42 (can you believe that?), she’s the perfect age. Plus, she just looks like she could kick your ass…
PA PhotosJosé Rodriguez:
Taylor Lautner
Cosidering the character of José is Ana’s Jacob, it’s no surprise that Twilight fans have been rallying support to land Taylor the role. But does the young hotty really want to play second fiddle to yet another towering romantic hero (albeit a damn sight more willing to hop in the sack this time)? We think not.
PA PhotosGLAMOUR’S CHOICE: Mark Salling
Yes, we know, he’s not Hispanic, but with that dreamy olive skin, big puppy dog eyes and mischievous grin, we think Glee pin-up Mark would be the ideal casting for Ana’s charming, fun-loving best pal. And it would appear many Fifty Shades… fans agree with us.
Rex FeaturesKate Kavanagh:
Emma Stone
GLAMOUR.com favourite Emma is one of the most in-demand actresses of our time, and a lot of Fifty fans believe her spunk, sass and sense of fun make her the ideal candidate to portray Ana’s feisty, frivolous BFF Kate, a no-nonsense, straight-talking journo, no less.
Rex FeaturesScarlett Johansson
At 27, some may argue Scar-Jo’s a little too old to play the part of 21-year-old graduate, Kate. But she’s who we’ve been picturing in our heads from the very start.
Rex FeaturesTamsin Egerton
She’s the impossibly beautiful British actress with a mane of long blonde curls and one of the bubbliest personalities in showbizland, which all in all makes her a serious contender for the tough-talking would-be-journo, Kate Kavanagh.
Rex FeaturesDianna Agron
Ana’s BFF Kate Kavanagh is supposed to be effortlessly stylish and groomed, not to mention head-turningly beautiful. Which is why we think Glee star Dianna Agron could definitely be in the running.
PA PhotosGLAMOUR’S CHOICE: Blake Lively
But as much as we love Emma - and we do, wholeheartedly - we’ve been picturing Blake from the very start. Statuesque, naturally gorgeous, with an infectious grin and flowing strawberry-blonde locks, could Blake be any more Kate-like? And since Kavanagh comes from a enviably-wealthy background, much like Blake’s Gossip Girl character Serena, she'd have bags of material to draw from for the part.
Rex FeaturesJason Taylor:
Channing Tatum
Is it just us, or can you totally picture beefy, extraordinarily-thick-necked Channing in the role of Taylor; Christian’s bad-ass, buzz-cut-ted, ex-army personal assistant-come-bodyguard?
PA PhotosJason Statham
Meanwhile, the Fifty fan sites are brimming with talk of all-action Brit hero Jason taking on the role. While we can’t deny he’d make a good right hand man, we’re not sure there’s enough gunshots and explosions in the script to garner Jason’s interest.
GLAMOUR’S CHOICE: Peter Sarsgaard
Peter’s versatility and amazing flair for harsh, dark-edged characters would make him perfect for the disturbing, often sinister side of the script. What’s more, he would totally rock a buzz-cut, and despite those boyish good looks, he can still play a bad-ass convincingly, and could pull off Taylor’s innate politeness when addressing ‘Miss Steele’. Yep, it’s Peter for us.
Rex FeaturesLeila Williams:
Zooey Deschanel
We just love Zooey here at GLAMOUR Towers, and apparently, so do the Fifty fans, as some have cited the quirky cutie - all big eyes and pale skin - to play Leila, one of Christian’s former 15 submissives and the chief antagonist of the second book.
Rex FeaturesGLAMOUR’S CHOICE: Rose Byrne
The lovely Rose is proving to be one of the most versatile actresses of the now, breezing from hilarity in Get Him To The Greek to tormented in Insidious, so we think she’d have no trouble portraying disturbed ‘Ghost Girl’, Leila . What’s more, doesn’t she just look right up Grey’s kinky street…?
Rex FeaturesCamilla Belle
Or how about Camilla Belle? Whilst having successfully transitioned into Hollywood from her early career as a child actor, the sometime model could be the perfect person to take on Leila with her dark and exotic good looks.
PA PhotosRachel Leigh Cook
Troubled ex-sub Leila is meant to be dark and dangerous, whilst also being older than Ana. 32-year-old actress Rachel – best known for her starring roles in 90s teen flick She’s All That and an appearance in Dawson’s Creek – could be just the lady to play her.
Rex FeaturesElliot Grey:
Tom Hardy
Much like the Cullens, the entire adopted Grey clan are drop-dead gorgeous, so *Fifty Shades…*fans are rife with speculation as to who will be cast as Elliot, Christian’s cheeky, fun-loving big bro. Unsurprisingly, Tom’s name has been dropped many a’ time on global fansites, and there’s no denying he’s got the striking looks and laddish grin down to a tee (and hopefully, a tight tee at that).
Rex FeaturesAdam Brody
We’re still a little bit in love with Adam from The OC days - when he made geek chic - and a role in the Fifty Shades… trilogy would bring Brody back into the A-list, meaning we’d get to see a lot more of him. Which we’d like. A lot. And with his perfectly chiselled features and playful eyes, we think he’d make a pretty good Grey brother.
Jonathan Rhys-Meyers
He’s the likeable brother with hidden depths, which is why we think Irish actor Jonathan Rhys-Meyers may well be just the man to play him.
PA PhotosChace Crawford
The Elliot Grey of Fifty Shades is an easy-breezy kind of guy unlike his billionaire older brother, plus he manages to sweep the cool, calm and collected Kate Kavanagh off of her feet. He’s meant to be pretty hot too and, with this in mind, surely the lovely Chace Crawford should be in the running?
PA PhotosChad Michael Murray
He played the sensitive-yet-sexy Lucas Scott in One Tree Hill for years, but he’s no stranger to playing a bad boy, either, which is why Chad could make the perfect Elliot. Thoughts?
PA PhotosJamie Campbell Bower
Or how about Twilight’s very own Jamie Campbell Bower, who much like Elliot is a cheeky chappy and pretty darn fine to look at as well.
Rex FeaturesBen Barnes
And speaking of British actors, surely Ben Barnes deserves a punt? He could even team up with former girlfriend Tamsin Egerton to play Kate alongside his Elliot!
PA PhotosGLAMOUR’S CHOICE: James Franco
Chiselled, cheeky, and utterly dazzling - can’t you just envision James charming the pants (quite literally) off Kate on a sweaty dance floor and then uttering the immortal line “laters, baby”? Us too!
Rex FeaturesMia Grey:
Vanessa Hudgens
Christian Grey’s little sister Mia is described as a dark-haired beauty with curves to kill, and with her more adult role in Spring Breakers, we reckon Vanessa Hudgens could well be in the running for this one.
Rex FeaturesKirsten Dunst
Or how about Hollywood stalwart, Kirsten Dunst? After taking a two-year hiatus, Dunst returned to acting last year and has since racked up a number of notable performances in Melancholia and On The Road which makes us think she could be a contender for the role of bubbly Mia. Plus, as the smart-mouthed character who regularly stands up to her controlling brother, we’re reminded of her role as sassy tennis player Lizzie Bradbury in her 2004 flick, Wimbledon.
Rex FeaturesSienna Miller
Okay, okay, we know she’s another blonde but much like Kirsten before her, she’s not adverse to dying her locks for a role and we can totally picture new mum Sienna with her naughty grin as the mischievous Mia Grey.
Rex FeaturesJessica Chastain
Or maybe Hollywood’s new darling Jessica Chastain might make the cut for Mia Grey? A chameleon actress, we wouldn’t be surprised if Jess turned her hand to the uncomplicated little sister role.
PA PhotosEthan Kavanagh:
Zac Efron
His part isn’t particularly central to the plot but he’s described as the good-looking elder brother of Ana’s best friend Kate, so we vote Zac!
Rex FeaturesJack Hyde:
Bradley Cooper
Ana’s dangerous boss-turned-baddy Jack Hyde is going to require one of Hollywood’s hot actors, with a dangerous edge. Enter Bradley Cooper, we reckon he’d be perfect to take on the sleezy publisher.
Rex FeaturesHugh Dancy
Claire Danes’ husband Hugh Dancy might also be one for the role, though. Lesser known than some of the other actors’ names in the ring, we reckon he could take on the role with aplomb!
PA PhotosColin Farrell
He’s not adverse to playing a baddy so sexy Colin Farrell could also be a contender for the part, but if the gorgeous Gallic actor were to take on the role of Hyde, would we ever really dislike him?
PA PhotosCarrick Trevelyan Grey:
George Clooney
Christian’s dad Carrick is a pillar of the community and as the smartly turned out millionaire patriarch of the Grey family, we can pretty much only picture George Clooney in the role.
Richard Gere
Or what about another of Hollywood’s silver foxes, the ever-charming Richard Gere? Sexy and smart, we’d love to see this former officer take on the role of the ultimate gent, Carrick.
