No man chosen to play Christian Grey in the Fifty Shades of Grey movie is going to please everyone. That’s just the way things go when casting a movie so many people expect so much from. I personally was not a huge fan of the books but even I have to admit to being a bit curious about the casting for this one, especially since a few of my very favorite actors are being talked about for the role. Because I like putting my two cents in on these things (and quite enjoyed dream casting Anastasia Steele), I decided to take a crack at casting Mr. Grey.
Casting Christian Grey
The Usual Suspects
Ian Somerhalder
Out of all the names being tossed around for Christian Grey, Ian Somerhalder is my absolute top choice. First, he’s absolutely stunning. Second, he’s talented. Third, I have no doubt in my mind whatsoever that he could pull off this role beautifully. Christian Grey needs to be intense, charismatic and controlling. Ian could play this role any day of the week and he’s fearless enough to take it on. He’s already said he’s interested so what’s the freaking hold up? Ian Somerhalder as Christian Grey would definitely get me in the theater for this one.
Alexander Skarsgård
Alexander almost seems like the obvious choice for Christian. He’s sexy, mysterious and isn’t afraid to take his clothes off. Perfect, right? I’m not sure. I’m not a True Bloodfan and while I’ve liked Alexander in everything else I’ve seen him in, I’m not convinced he is who I picture when I read the Christian Grey character. I’d be willing to give him a shot in the role, but I’d be hesitant. I might wait for the DVD release instead of rushing to the theater.
Matt Bomer
The only reason I’m not campaigning for Matt in the role of Christian Grey over Ian is because I just don’t think this is the kind of project Matt would be interested in doing. He’s a fantastically beautiful man and a talented actor. I think he’d really bring something special to the role that perhaps other actors couldn’t, but after doing Magic Mike, this one might be a little too racy for him.
Robert Pattinson
There couldn’t be less of a chance of this happening and I don’t think that’s a bad thing. I love Robert Pattinson and I think he has the potential to be a fantastic actor but I think playing Christian Grey would be a step in the wrong direction career-wise for the Twilightstud. Although Christian is an interesting character, Rob really needs to choose something that will show off his acting abilities and help him develop as an actor. I’m not exactly sure he has the intensity to pull off a role like this just yet.
Ryan Gosling
I don’t like Ryan Gosling for this role which is weird considering how much I love the guy. I just can’t see Ryan as Christian for some reason even though I have little doubt he could do a great job. Ryan can definitely do intense but there is just something about him that doesn’t sit right with me about seeing Ryan in Fifty Shades of Grey. I might be alone on this one though. Lots of people seem to be in love with this idea.
Armie Hammer
I just am not a big Armie Hammer fan. I know, I know – I must be crazy. I guess there is just something about him that doesn’t appeal to me. He’s a good looking guy and he has a lot of talent but I don’t know. I just don’t connect with him the same way I connect with Ian, Alexander or Matt. If he were to get the role, I’d probably still check out the movie but it would really depend on who was chosen as director and who was cast as Anastasia. If Bret Easton Ellis helms this one, the actor playing Christian doesn’t even matter to me. I’ll run to the theater to see what Ellis does with this material.
Chris Hemsworth
I don’t love Chris as Christian but I can definitely see it. He has the rugged good looks, the killer body and the acting chops to pull of Christian’s charismatic intensity. Out of all the names being tossed around, Chris is one of my favorites but I’d put him third in line behind Ian and Matt and just one spot ahead of Alexander. Chris would make an interesting addition to the Fifty Shades of Grey cast and I think I’d head to the theater just to see what he did with the character.
Who I Would Consider for Christian Grey
Taylor Kitsch
Ted Casablanca over at The Awful Truth has really been championing Taylor for the role of Christian Grey and I have to say I can see where he’s coming from on this one. Taylor is gorgeous, talented and in desperate need of a hit considering his recent luck at the box office. John Carterwas a damn fine movie. I don’t care what anyone says. I think this would be a great career move for Taylor and could help him get his career back on the right track.
Michael Pitt
Stay with me on this one. While Michael may not be the most attractive man in the movies in any sort of traditional sense he isgorgeous in a very Michael Pitt sort of way. He also happens to be one of my absolute favorite actors so I may be a bit biased. I think Michael would bring so much complexity and depth to a character that sometimes is a little lacking in both of those areas.
Cillian Murphy
Cillian Murphy is a beautiful man and a brilliant actor. While he isn’t exactly the most well known actor making an appearance on this list, I think that could actually be a pretty good reason to consider casting him. With someone like Ian Somerhalder, their previous work can sometimes impact how the actor is viewed in a new role. To put it another way, it would be hard to see Ian playing Christian without thinking about Damon Salvatore. I think Ian could give a shining performance that would put Damon out of mind, but at the same time, casting someone like Cillian would eliminate that initial over-familiarity.
Aaron Eckhart
Aaron might seem like an odd suggestion at first glance but I think he would be perfect for the role. He’s gorgeous, talented and could possibly bring a little credibility to the film that I’m quite certain will be absent should a younger, less established actor take the role. Would he do it? Probably not but it would definitely be an interesting casting move if he did. I know I’d be at the theater to watch the results.
Joe Manganiello
Oh come on! How perfect would Joe Manganiello be for this role? The man is absolutely gorgeous and that Christian Grey intensity is just part of who Joe is. While there is at least one other actor on my dream casting list I’d rather see take on this role, I would thrilled to the point of bursting if Joe was cast. The only possible problem with Joe taking this one is the fact that it is so sexual. We all know Joe is incredibly sexy. He shows us on True Blood and he showed us in Magic Mikeand for that reason alone, playing Christian Grey may not be the wisest career move for him.
Joseph Morgan
Out of every single name on this list, there isn’t one actor I’d rather see take on the role of Christian Grey than Mr. Joseph Morgan. He’s beautiful, charismatic, intense and talented. He is the only reason I continued watching The Vampire Diaries this season. As I read the books, Joseph was Christian in my mind’s eye. Aside from that, there is nothing I would love to see more than Joseph take the lead role in what will probably be a pretty successful film. I love this man in ways I can’t describe and I can almost guarantee his face on the screen would be the only way I’d be making repeat trips to the theater to see this one.
