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'Fifty Shades': Before Hunnam and Johnson, was there Gosling?

By Breeanna Hare, CNN
September 5, 2013 -- Updated 2140 GMT (0540 HKT)
Dakota Johnson and Charlie Hunnam <a href='http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/02/showbiz/movies/50-shades-movie-hunnam-johnson/index.html' target='_blank'>may have snagged the coveted roles</a> of Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey in the eagerly awaited film adaptation of "Fifty Shades of Grey," but that doesn't mean the chatter is over. Not everyone is pleased with the choices, and we look at some of the alternatives who could have been chosen. Dakota Johnson and Charlie Hunnam may have snagged the coveted roles of Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey in the eagerly awaited film adaptation of "Fifty Shades of Grey," but that doesn't mean the chatter is over. Not everyone is pleased with the choices, and we look at some of the alternatives who could have been chosen.
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Casting 'Fifty Shades of Grey'
Matt Bomer
Felicity Jones
Ryan Gosling
Elizabeth Olsen
Wes Bentley
Lucy Hale
Chris Pine
Jennifer Lawrence
Chris Hemsworth
Kristen Stewart
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STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Many actors were rumored to be in consideration for "Fifty Shades"
  • Ryan Gosling, Garrett Hedlund and Shailene Woodley were among them
  • The two starring roles ended up going to Dakota Johnson and Charlie Hunnam
  • Some fans of the books have criticized the choices

(CNN) -- Not everyone's pleased with Dakota Johnson and Charlie Hunnam in the starring roles in "Fifty Shades of Grey," but the bigger-name stars fans have been clamoring for reportedly weren't all that interested.

We already know Armie Hammer and Emma Watson were definitively not interested, with both nearly sneering at the thought. Even Aaron Taylor-Johnson, the husband of "Fifty Shades" director Sam Taylor-Johnson, diplomatically excused himself from any casting rumors.

Fans not happy with 'Fifty Shades' casting

"I'd love to work with Sam again, no question, without a doubt," the "Kick-Ass" actor said. "I think she's such an incredible director, and she's got such an incredible vision. And especially for something like this, (which) she can do -- no pun intended -- with her hands tied behind her back and blindfolded."

But for him, the role of the charismatic, handsome and domineering billionaire just didn't "fit the bill."

And according to The Hollywood Reporter, preferential choices Ryan Gosling and Garrett Hedlund also passed on the project.

Director Sam Taylor-Johnson chosen for 'Fifty Shades of Grey'

Fans have not rallied around the idea of Hunnam as Christian Grey and have offered another suggestion: Matt Bomer. (The "White Collar" actor has since said that while he appreciates the support, Hunnam's staying put.)

Some readers of E.L. James' best-selling S&M-themed trilogy haven't been thrilled with the idea of Johnson as Anastasia Steele, the naive college student who takes up with Grey. In their eyes, Alexis Bledel would be far better for the role, but THR notes that it was Shailene Woodley studio Universal had eyes for.

'Fifty Shades' gets a release date

While the actress is said to have been comfortable with the racy demands of the film, her ties to the adaptation of Veronica Roth's "Divergent" trilogy would get in the way.

'Fifty Shades' screenwriter's thinking NC-17

So with Johnson and Hunnam being the choices -- and "there is a lot that goes into casting that isn't just looks. Talent, availability, their desire to do it, chemistry with other actor, etc.," "Fifty Shades" producer Dana Brunetti tweeted -- the next best thing the "Fifty Shades" team can do is knock the adaptation, written by Kelly Marcel, out of the park.

"Handled correctly, 'Fifty Shades' could catapult Johnson and Hunnam to the A-list," The Hollywood Reporter predicts. "If it fails, it could end up like 'Showgirls,' whose star, Elizabeth Berkley, never recovered."

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