Fifty Shades of Grey: Now the role is up for grabs again, here's who's in the running

Charlie Hunnam is no longer Christian Grey. Picture: AP Source: Splash News Australia

Just a month after revealing that he had accepted the role, Hunnam announced his shock departure, citing his recurring role on TV show Sons of Anarchy as the main reason behind his withdrawal.

"The filmmakers of Fifty Shades of Grey and Charlie Hunnam have agreed to find another male lead given Hunnam's immersive TV schedule which is not allowing him time to adequately prepare for the role of Christian Grey," a Universal statement said.

The composite of Christian Grey and the infamous book. Picture: Supplied Source: NewsComAu

The Hollywood Reporter however is claiming that Hunnam pulled out of the film for other reasons.

2 sources now say Hunnam got cold feet on #50Shades movie, TV schedule said to have had nothing to do with his exit.

— Matthew Belloni (@THRMattBelloni) October 12, 2013

Just to recap, the qualifications are:

1) He needs to look good in a business suit, and naked
2) He needs to be able to act charming - and kinky - at the same time
3) He needs the confidence to nail the role of a 27-year-old CEO, and be down with S&M.

To draw out the suspense a bit further, here’s who says they want it:

Ian Somerhalder wants the role bad. Picture: AFP Source: news.com.au

Ian Somerhalder
“I absolutely would be up for that,” the Vampire Diaries star said. “It could be amazing. I just started reading it. I think that would be a pretty incredible thing. Hopefully, that would pan out. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, that would be a phenomenal opportunity.”

Alexander Skarsgard from TV series True Blood. Picture: Supplied Source: news.com.au

Alexander Skarsgard
"Where do I sign? He's got a sex chamber? My character [Eric Northman] has that on True Blood. He's got his little dungeon. I was born to play that part."

Colin Egglesfield thinks he would play the perfect Grey. Picture: AFP Source: news.com.au

Colin Egglesfield
The Client List actor said to a reporter in a recent interview: “Why do you think I would be a good Christian? What exactly are you saying? Are you saying I have a devious sexual side that I need some therapy to treat?” He went on to add: “Because I could really do it ... I think I could [be cast] as Christian [in the role].”

He's already played James T. Kirk in Star Trek, but has Chris Pine got the goods to play Christian? Picture: Richard Dobson Source: news.com.au

Chris Pine
"It'd be a hell of a choice for me, I think. It sounds like an interesting film."

British actor Oliver Jackson-Cohen. Picture: AFP Source: news.com.au

Oliver Jackson Cohen
The handsome 26-year-old starred in last year’s What’s Your Number? and Going the Distance with Drew Barrymore, he recently joined Twitter and immediately began following the novel’s author and a number of 50 Shades of Grey fansites, leading many to believe he was a contender for Grey.

But who should get it? Here’s our top five:

The Vampire Diaries star Ian Somerhalder. Picture: AP Source: news.com.au

Ian Somerhalder
Ian Smoulder ... sorry, Somerhalder, already has the look nailed - just look at his face! The naughty vampire oozes power and sex appeal and his ability to transform from a wicked vampire to a gentle, protective lover in The Vampire Diaries ensures that he's got the goods and the fifty shades of sexy to fill Christian's Grey's shoes.

The Notebook and Stupid, Crazy, Love star Ryan Gosling. Picture: AP Source: news.com.au

Ryan Gosling
There's no denying that Gosling would kill the role. Anyone who saw his turn as perpetually-naked Jacob in Crazy, Stupid Love would know that he has all the attributes and photoshopped abs to knock the socks off Grey. Hollywood's “it” man of the moment needs another excuse to get his kit off so the women of the world can have yet another gander at Gosling. This one's a no-brainer.

True Blood's Alexander Skarsgard. Picture: AP Source: news.com.au

Alexander Skarsgard
Make no bones about it. This Swedish stunner is a frontrunner and the man wants it bad. Even he believes he was "born to play the part". Fans say you only need to watch a minute of True Blood to understand why Skarsgard needs to be cast. Heck, at least we know he'd be quite "at home" in Grey’s infamous Red Room Of Pain.

His name is Thor, or, Chris Hemsworth, depending on which you prefer. Picture: Adam Ward Source: news.com.au

Chris Hemsworth
The guy played a demigod for Pete's sake - so a sex god wouldn't be too much of a stretch for the Aussie boy made good. His broad shoulders, disheveled locks, and piercing eyes make him an obvious contender for Grey. There are thousands of women who already have a soft spot for Thor and why not throw an Aussie in the running?

Ed Westwick aka Chuck Bass of Gossip Girl fame. Picture: AP Source: news.com.au

Ed Westwick
Billionaire stud. Check. After six seasons playing Gossip Girl's resident wealthy, troubled, and emotionally shut off bad boy, Ed Westwick has the part already down pat. This guy can pout and smoulder like nobody's business and after mastering the rich brooding persona all too well, the Brit boy wouldn’t have to do all that much work to portray Grey. That's a big vote for Team Chuck.