Who will play the role of the Christian Grey in the film adaptation of E.L. James’ novel “Fifty Shades of Grey”, now that “Sons of Anarchy” star, Charlie Hunnam dropped out from the high-profile role? The search for the new actor with the prominent cheekbones and the guts to step in the role of Christian Grey continues as sources confirm the departure of Charlie Hunnam from the role.

“If Charlie Hunnam had any reluctance, then it would show in the performance. And it would have been the fans who would have really suffered,” says Sneider.

“Better to do it now than to wait until production started.” According to Jeff Sneider, Deal Central columnist for the industry website TheWrap.com. It will be unfair for the fans of the famous romance novel to bring an actor who’s hesitant in doing the role, which may certainly affect the performance of the film.

The movie is due August 1, 2014. But who to play the billionaire tycoon role alongside Dakota Johnson’s Anastasia Steele when the film goes into production this November? Big stars like Chris Pine, Ryan Gosling or Henry Cavil have been left out, since the role is intended for someone who wants to be a star and not for someone who are already known.

“If you are a star, there’s really not enough to gain here to take your clothes off in front of the camera.” “This is a star-making role. You need someone who wants to be a star,” says Sneider.

Actors who were popularly campaigned for by the fans are:

• Ian Somerhalder - “The Vampire Diaries” star has been continuously topping fan polls for the Christian Grey role.
A blogger for the movie ticket site Fandango.com says, “People still vocalize about wanting to see him in the lead,” “’The Vampire Diaries’ is such a hot television show and he just fits the picture of who people want in that part with that dark, mysterious and very handsome face.”

• Matt Bomer – Although the sexy “White Collar” star has never expressed an interest in the part, his name is being presented on a Change.org petition, which now has more than 87,000 signatures.

• Stephen Amell - The star of “Arrow” already expressed his interest, during a Facebook Q&A earlier this year. He’ll be perfect for the role as he’s got the physique and fits the pattern for what the film makers are looking for.

• Robert Pattinson - Rumor has it that James’ first choice for the part was the “Twilight” star. A long shot perhaps, even the author of the “Twilight” novel, Stephanie Meyer told USA Today that “I just really cannot see him doing that.”

Casting a high profile movie like this is no easy task there will always be both ecstatic and dismayed fans. According to Richard Hicks, president of the Casting Society of America. “The solution is to make such a good movie that it erases the idea that there was ever someone possibly better. And that’s often what happens.”