Scott Eastwood, Jamie Dornan are leading contenders for ’50 Shades’: good choices?

scott eastwood

Is anyone else kind of worried about 50 Shades of Grey? No? Just me? I’m really starting to worry. It’s been a full week since Charlie Hunnam tapped out of the production, and the search for Christian Grey has started anew. As we heard over the past week, producers are considering all sorts of people. Alex Skarsgard’s name keeps getting mentioned, but he’s not going to do, let’s be real. Matt Bomer won’t do it either. But Jamie Dornan? That could happen. In fact, I think it’s a very real possibility that Jamie Dornan will happen. So, let’s get a rundown for where we are now.

*Jamie Dornan: He was the leading contender and most mentioned name for the past week. He’s now making all of the replacement short-lists and E! News says that Dornan had a “really good read” on Friday. They did NOT read him with Dakota Johnson because, according to E!’s source, “The studio isn’t worried about Dakota. They think she could handle whoever the guy is.” Sounds… rushed.

*Scott Eastwood: For real. He’s a contender now, at least according to Just Jared. A source close to Scott (not close to the production, close to SCOTT) claims that Scott “is one of five actors being considered.” Scott was really obvious about it too, tweeting: “What is all this talk about 50 shades of grey?? What do you all think?? Let me know. #hype #eastwoodlivin”. So, he wants it. Bad.

*Christian Cooke: People Magazine has Cooke on the short-list, so I don’t know what to tell you. He’s 26 years old, he’s English and when I looked at photos of him, I thought, “Really? Him?”

*Luke Bracey: Us Weekly claims Aussie Luke is a contender. He’s probably one of the least well-known of all the names being mentioned. I doubt he gets called in unless literally all of the above men say no.

So, this is probably the short list. I bet producers are still throwing around names like Matt Bomer and Alex Skarsgard so that this production still has an air of quality, even though there’s a stench of desperation around this disorganization. My guess is that it’s Jamie Dornan’s to refuse. And really, why wouldn’t he say yes? It’s not like his career is going gangbusters. Let’s be real. This will make him a household name, for better or for worse.

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Photos courtesy of WENN, CK ads, Town & Country.

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65 Responses to “Scott Eastwood, Jamie Dornan are leading contenders for ’50 Shades’: good choices?”

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  1. janie says:

    Is Scott an actor? All I’ve seen re: him, was a paternity issue? They all have my vote!

  2. Loveesa says:

    Dornan is clearly the most handsom, but with his puppy eyes: can he bring the danger? Also, his wife is pregnant, complicating matters.

  3. Christin says:

    Scott really isn’t banking on his last name, is he? It’s interesting that apparently there was no backup list for the main players. It sounds like they had to start from scratch.

  4. Jennifer12 says:

    Physically, Scott looks the part the most.

  5. Mimi says:

    I called this a week ago regarding Eastwood. I knew when grumblings about Hunnam’s skittishness and Eastwood’s shirtless pics this was going to happen.

    • emmie_a says:

      It makes sense. I read a blind that Charlie was actually let go because the audience wasn’t buying him as Christian — and Eastwood’s pictures started showing up about a month or so ago. Maybe producers were testing the waters?

  6. mom2two says:

    I guess if they want to tank their careers, then yes they are good choices. I would hope that Clint would talk Scott out of it…but perhaps because of his last name, his career might survive 50 Shades.
    Jamie Dornan, on the other hand, should run as far away as possible from this project. I have not watched the Fall but he’s getting good reviews for it. I don’t think he had enough time on OUAT for me to judge his acting. Don’t know much at all about Christian Cooke or Luke Bracey.

  7. nj says:

    Scoot Eastwood looks like a mix between Clint and Hugh Jackman. Look-wise he is perfect. And the role doesn’t require any acting, so…………

    • Mika says:

      “And the role doesn’t require any acting..”
      +1 TRUF!

      • nj says:

        yea, just take of clothes,give some intense looks and say “laters baby”

      • vava says:

        LOL…..so true! I think Eastwood would be perfect for the role. Physically he’s there…………the acting won’t take much at all. ‘laters baby is right!

  8. Sixer says:

    I don’t know why I keep reading these posts or am interested in the casting, because I have no intention of seeing the eventual film or objection to its being made, so long as I don’t have to watch it. But I keep on clicking! Go figure.

    I hope Jamie Dornan doesn’t do it.

    I suppose Scott Eastwood has the least to lose?

    • Tulip Garden says:

      Ha! Me too. Never read it, will never watch the movie, and don’t give two cents about it but….I like yummy pictures 🙂

    • gogoGorilla says:

      Yeah, I’m with you. I have no intention of seeing it as I think it’s going to be terrible all around, what with the original author still involved with the script. However, a a relative unknown might be able to make use of the (over) exposure. I think it will be a career-killer for anyone who is already an established actor, though.

    • grabbyhands says:

      I was about to say the same thing about Scott-he is pretty much the only one who could walk out of this unscathed. At least he has a modeling career to fall back on. I guess Jamie does too, technically-but he’s been out of the game for a while.

      • Sixer says:

        Also, Dornan was very well received in The Fall, which means he’s unlikely to struggle for more decent quality BBC work.

    • blue marie says:

      Yeah, me either. I have no plans on seeing it but I can’t quit clicking, so annoying. Dornan seems better than this though.

    • GoodNamesAllTaken says:

      Funny, I do the same thing and you couldn’t pay me to see it. I downloaded the sample on my Kindle but didn’t buy the book. The writing was horrendous. I was bored out of my mind. Don’t care who plays CG, but would advise any actor to steer clear.

  9. Jane says:

    Considering how much exposure Scott has been getting lately, it won’t surprise me if he gets the part. However, it IS Hollywierd, and anything is bound to happen.

  10. Tiffany27 says:

    LMFAO @ Eastwood’s thirst! Like I said before just shut this mess down and keep it moving.

  11. Nev says:

    SCOTT DICISK.

  12. Migdalia says:

    See Scott Eastwood is try to test the waters with his followers…one toe in the water. I think ultimately even if your career is slow these actors are afraid of what this is going to do to them. I’m def not seeing this now that Charlie has pulled out but I’m also not into this 50 shades business. Ultimately you fans will know what’s best, but from what I’ve heard and looks wise definitely Scott Eastwood.

    • moon says:

      Nonetheless, this is a chance to be in a Sam Taylor-Johnson directed movie with a script adapted by Patrick Marber (oscar winner, wrote the script for Closer and Notes on a Scandal and some highly regarded plays). If your career isn’t going anywhere, this is a pretty good opportunity artistically speaking even if it may look otherwise.

  13. Sarah says:

    I called Scott Eastwood last week! He would be a great choice. He is very good looking, has great buzz lately and he has everything to gain since he hasn’t really done anything yet.

  14. EmmaV1 says:

    People need to google Scott and look at google images instead of those photoshopped, perfect angle, perfect lighting, pictures. He looks way worse (facially) in candids and has this wrinkly, squinty eyed look.

    • Sarah says:

      Just googled him. I still like … a lot!

      I prefer him scruffy but he’s very nice looking.

    • boredbrit says:

      Omg EmmaV1, you’re right. wtf, it’s like a different person. His face looks pruney and taut at the same time?!

    • nj says:

      u r right. his photoshoot is fab, but really he is nothing to like that. I also thought he would be tall and built.

  15. grabbyhands says:

    I hope to god that Jamie turns it down. He’s gotten really good buzz from the Fall and taking this role would destroy the credibility he is starting to build.

    He’s already had to overcome people dismissing him because he was a model, so I hope he would be sensible enough to see that this would be an unwise move. The money simply wouldn’t be worth it.

    I guess it will come down to how hungry he is for ANY kind of visibility in the US.

  16. umyeah says:

    Minus eastwood, the other guys look like serial killers. No thanks.

  17. Kim1 says:

    Matt Bomer is filming The Normal Heart at the same time

  18. moon says:

    Uhm, Christian Cooke, really? What are producers thinking…

    Jamie is HOT, but he’s a little too pretty and gentlemanly for CG imo. Scott Eastwood comes across more masculine and controlling. I don’t know who this Luke guy is but googled him and gosh he is HOT! A bit on the young side though?

  19. pam246 says:

    I feel bad for Ian Somerhalder. He’s been begging for the role and so many small names are getting mentioned. I don’t think he was even considered. Does anybody really care about this movie? I’m just amused how the studio, producers, etc claim this is such a huge movie and nobody significant is interested.

    • Buckwild says:

      They should just give it to Ian. He has plenty of experience and has that slightly sinister look. The only downside I can see is that it’s quite similar to his character on Vampite Diaries, and that his jaw bothers me to no end. But surely he’s a better option than Scott Eastwood?

      And they’re considering the wrong Scott. Come on people, SCOTT DISICK 4 CHRISTIAN GREY! Make it happen! Lol

    • Marty says:

      I don’t feel bad for Ian at all, especially after his stupid “racsim” comment yesterday. He needs to stick to TV, that’s where he’s successful.

  20. Franny Days says:

    Chace Crawford ..maybe? He’s attractive.

  21. Rosen says:

    Is anybody else thinking this mess is going to come out looking like a Lifetime Original Movie?

    And not even one of the primetime ones, either – I’m talking at home sick with the flu at 2:30 on a Wednesday afternoon kind of movie.

  22. Itwillrain says:

    I haven’t read the book and I have only read people talking about it on gossip sites, but even I took one look at Eastwood and said, “perfect!”

  23. Side-Eye says:

    I wish these studios would just take the hint that this is an abomination that should never make it to theaters.

  24. Samtha says:

    Don’t do it, Jamie!

  25. Loveesa says:

    I haven’t read the book (fine, the first 100 pages) but I’m really rooting for this film to brave the odds and surprise as a self-aware (self-mocking?), electric noir-piece set in cold, sparse Seattle panoramas. I think EJ James and Taylor-wood have internalised all criticisms and c an capably avoid all the cheese people expect. The fact that Hunnam dropped out does make me worry about the script, but Taylor-wood has proven a very determined fighter before and she may successfully use this mainstream entrance to break the stigma surrounding S&M curiosity and female erotica. Personally, id cast Joel Kinnaman or Jeremy Irons ca 1985.

  26. Baskingshark says:

    Hm. All of this lot are, frankly, Z-list enough to be ideal casting for what is going to be an utter trainwreck. Christian Cooke, for the uninitiated, is a British actor (in the loosest sense of the word) who various dark forces have been trying to foist on the world as a sexy heart-throb for a few years now. He was last seen in Starz’ Magic City and previously headlined a British sci-fi show called Demons which is one of the worst TV shows I have ever seen. I own furniture which is capable of better emoting.

  27. Loveesa says:

    Why has no one brought up Kinnaman anyway? He is as handsome as Dornan but a more interesting character, and has all the Swedish liberal nudity-comfort that Skarsgard has capitalised on… have you seen him in Fast Money? (Snabba cash). The dude can do menacing…

    • melior says:

      Kinnaman has been killing it in the “The killing” He’s a great actor. I wonder why everyone’s fawning over Askars on this site but Joel is never mentioned. The guy can act circles around Askars.

    • cr says:

      Luckily for Joel, he’s busy filming another movie.

    • MissMoody says:

      He’s Robocop. Before you judge, the trailer was pretty awesome. It’s also been the most-viewed trailer for WEEKS so, if the buzz translates into box office, he’s already got a franchise.

      • amilu says:

        Robocop does look awesome! Kinnaman was amazing on “The Killing.” His performance was one of the best things about the show. I’ve seen him in Snabba Cash and a handful of his other movies, but Holder has been my favorite role so far. So funny, so tortured. I’ll miss that show!

        Kinnaman is a far better actor than 50 Shades would require. I realize one could say the same thing about Robocop, but as you (MissMoody) noted, watch the trailer before you (everyone else) judge.

  28. AmyLynne says:

    Ugh Jamie Dornan stay away! This is such a hot mess…Ian wants it, why haven’t they just caved already?

  29. Misty G says:

    This has Skinamax written all over it.

  30. Elizabeth says:

    This is going to be one big ugly train wreck of a movie. The book was poorly written & I don’t expect the movie to be any better. Probably will end up direct to video release.

  31. amilu says:

    Don’t do it, Jamie Dornan!