Jamie Dornan is your new Christian Grey.
Variety reports that the 31-year-old actor, who currently stars on ABC's "Once Upon a Time," will take over for Charlie Hunnam in the buzzy role.
Dornan was among the actors shortlisted for the part after Hunnam bowed out almost two weeks ago, with some reports labeling him the frontrunner. Others speculated that "True Blood" star Alexander Skarsgard was the top choice, while Theo James ("Golden Boy," "Divergent"), Christian Cooke (U.K.'s "Where the Heart Is," "Magic City") and Scott Eastwood ("Chicago Fire") almost emerged as contenders.
Negotiations are now underway, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Dornan reportedly read for the part late last week, as did Tony nominee and "As the World Turns" star Billy Magnussen. Both read opposite Dakota Johnson, who is set to play female lead Anastasia Steele.
Hunnam, who originally cited scheduling conflicts on "Sons of Anarchy" as the reason for his departure, was set to make a $125,000 for the gig. That's a relatively small figure for a headlining role in the adaptation of a best-selling novel, so time will tell whether Dornan is able to wrangle up a more substantial paycheck.
The casting verdict came in the final days leading up to Universal and Focus Features' targeted production start in November, and, as of now, the movie is still slated for an Aug. 1, 2014, release.
Dornan is also known as a former Calvin Klein underwear model, which should serve as rudimentary prep for the many erotic scenes required in E.L. James' S&M story. The actor also starred in Sofia Coppola's "Marie Antoinette" and the BBC2 series "The Fall."
Tough break, Matt Bomer fans.
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