Bring together one of today's hottest male actors and one of the hottest erotica novels to ever hit eReaders and what might you have? A major Hollywood hit.
E.L. James' husband says the "last he heard" Ryan Gosling is the main choice to play leading man and BDSM aficionado Christian Grey in the silver-screen adaptation of his wife's bestselling novel, "Fifty Shades of Grey."
"Fifty Shades of Grey" movie casting rumors have been swirling since Universal Pictures and Focus Features purchased the rights to the to the novels in March for $5 million. Now, the juiciest tidbit comes from none other than "Fifty Shades" author James' husband, Niall Leonard.
The United Kingdom's Now magazine reportedly spoke with Leonard, who said that Gosling may very well play the hunky Grey:
The husband of Fifty Shades Of Grey author EL James has dropped a strong hint that Ryan Gosling will take the lead role of Christian Grey in the film adaptation of the erotic novel.
Niall Leonard says that 'last he heard' Ryan, 31, was in the frame to play the manipulative billionaire...
Gosling as Grey might be every woman's fantasy, but it is unclear whether or not the rumored "Fifty Shades" casting will ever come to fruition. Few other publications have reported on the info, and WetPaint notes that Leonard might have been misunderstood.
"It's possible what Niall said was misunderstood, especially since the words about Ryan aren't posted in a direct quote, but it's not like Ry-guy's name has never come up before," wrote WetPaint's Gina Carbone.
Gosling has been a fan-favorite choice to play Grey, opposite the leading female character Anastasia Steele, with whom he becomes entangled in a passionate S&M relationship, and some "experts" have said the 31-year-old heartthrob would be a great choice.
"We are fans of the love story too, so we know exactly what qualities 'FSOG' fans see in different actors and actresses that make them appealing for the roles," Lisa Parker of FiftyShadesFilm.com told MTV News in May. "Have you seen the Dunhill London ads featuring Henry Cavill? Do they not scream 'Fifty'? Have you seen Ryan Gosling's GQ photo shoot? Grey silk tie anyone?"
MTV News added that commentators on Twifans.com agree with the casting, saying Gosling's suaveness would make him the ideal Grey: "Ryan Gosling, Ryan Gosling, and Ryan Gosling. Imagining him in jeans hung low on the hip."
Producers Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti will be at the helm of the "Fifty Shades" film. The two are treating the film as more than just an erotica tale. “At its core, Fifty Shades of Grey is a complex love story, requiring a delicate and sophisticated hand to bring it to the big screen,” Universal co-chairman Donna Langley said in a statement previously obtained by the Hollywood Reporter. No doubt they will be looking to cast an actor who can capture the essence beyond the sex.
Gosling has played a damaged man in previous roles.
In "Blue Valentine" he played Dean, whose relationship with Cindy (Michelle Williams) is no fairytale. Although their love is genuine, Dean's drinking problems and Cindy's lack of fulfillment lead to dissolution of their marriage. In "Crazy Stupid Love," he played a cavalier womanizer who unexpectedly falls in love with one of his conquests. In "Drive," he played a murderous venger.
Gosling certainly has developed an array of personality facts that could be used in playing the "Fifty Shades" movie's leading man, but this may wind up just being another false rumor in the mill.
Other actors whose names have been tossed into the "Fifty Shades" casting ring include Matt Bomer, Wes Bentley, Chris Pine, Chris Hemsworth, Henry Cavill, Ian Somerhalder and Alexander Skarsgard.