‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ movie casting: Why Ian Somerhalder is Christian Grey

One thing any fans who have been keeping up with the “Fifty Shades of Grey” movie news know is that Ian Somerhalder has almost always ranked high in the eyes of the franchise’s many female readers. Ian has consistently ranked at or near the top of every casting poll he’s been featured in, alongside fellow popular Christian Grey candidates Matt Bomer, Alexander Skarsgard, and most recently, Henry Cavill.EL James did promise her readers in early 2012 that she’d take fans’ considerations into account, so those casting polls that Ian Somerhalder is so often starring in have likely not gone unnoticed.Ian Somerhalder’s role on the hit TV series, “The Vampire Diaries,” could very well be seen as another boon in his favor for the role of Christian Grey. While Christian may not be a vampire like Ian’s character Damon on the show, both characters have a penchant for beautiful women, an irresistible allure, and an erotic affinity for the dark side of love.  Ian's experience on the set of "The Vampire Diaries" as a sexy, confident male lead might suit him well to (pun-intended) suit up in the "Fifty Shades of Grey" movie.Ian Somerhalder has long been a top contender for the role of Christian Grey. With thousands and thousands of fans who support him, one of the first reasons Ian has gained such notoriety for the erotic lead in “Fifty Shades of Grey” is from his own efforts. He has made it well known he’s a major fan of the EL James’ bestselling trilogy of novels, and definitely sees himself as an ideal Christian. That confidence and intense experience with the text is the first of our ten reasons Ian might make a solid CEO in the “Red Room of Pain.”“I absolutely would be up for that. It could be very, very amazing.”View the list »
Ian Somerhalder

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As fan casting for the “Fifty Shades of Grey” movie continues to be a hotly debated subject among E.L. James’ readers this week, one Christian Grey contender that continues to stand with the leading actors considered for the role is Ian Somerhalder. The IB Times revealed this Monday, Feb. 4, why Ian Somerhalder remains a popular choice in the latest casting polls and fan comments, while Celeb Dirty Laundry added yesterday that Ian gained even more fan support after going "toe-to-toe" against the talented Matt Bomer for the part.

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Although followers of E.L. James’ upcoming “Fifty Shades of Grey” film have a variety of reasons for choosing how they see an ideal lover for Anastasia Steele onscreen, and who they would like to appear as their Christian Grey, listed here are ten reasons why Ian might make a solid choice for the steamy adaptation.

This is the first in a Christian Grey casting series — the top ten reasons supporting why Matt Bomer might make a great Christian will debut tomorrow, while Henry Cavill’s top ten list will be featured later in the week. Alexander Skarsgard and Stephen Amell are planned for next week, and additional options can be suggested in the comments below. An Anastasia Steele casting list for “Fifty Shades is Grey” is forthcoming as well, so stay tuned!

Do you see Ian Somerhalder as your Christian Grey? Why or why not? For the latest top ten lists in the “Fifty Shades of Grey” movie series, please feel welcome to check out them out here:

Top Ten Christian Grey’s
Top Ten Anastasia Steele’s
Top Ten Mrs. Robinson and Mia Grey’s
Top Ten Kate Kavanagh and Elliot Grey

For the most recent “Fifty Shades of Grey” movie news, you can follow Ryan on Twitter or check out his community Facebook page for all things “50 Shades,” Novels and Film Examiner.

View the list
  • Ian Somerhalder has long been a top contender for the role of Christian Grey. With thousands and thousands of fans who support him, one of the first reasons Ian has gained such notoriety for the erotic lead in “Fifty Shades of Grey” is from his own efforts. He has made it well known he’s a major fan of the EL James’ bestselling trilogy of novels, and definitely sees himself as an ideal Christian. That confidence and intense experience with the text is the first of our ten reasons Ian might make a solid CEO in the “Red Room of Pain.”“I absolutely would be up for that. It could be very, very amazing.”
  • Ian Somerhalder’s role on the hit TV series, “The Vampire Diaries,” could very well be seen as another boon in his favor for the role of Christian Grey. While Christian may not be a vampire like Ian’s character Damon on the show, both characters have a penchant for beautiful women, an irresistible allure, and an erotic affinity for the dark side of love.  Ian's experience on the set of "The Vampire Diaries" as a sexy, confident male lead might suit him well to (pun-intended) suit up in the "Fifty Shades of Grey" movie.
  • One thing any fans who have been keeping up with the “Fifty Shades of Grey” movie news know is that Ian Somerhalder has almost always ranked high in the eyes of the franchise’s many female readers. Ian has consistently ranked at or near the top of every casting poll he’s been featured in, alongside fellow popular Christian Grey candidates Matt Bomer, Alexander Skarsgard, and most recently, Henry Cavill.EL James did promise her readers in early 2012 that she’d take fans’ considerations into account, so those casting polls that Ian Somerhalder is so often starring in have likely not gone unnoticed.
  • Ian Somerhalder is well-known as not only an actor interested in the “Fifty Shades of Grey” movie, but is a major fan of the original novels himself. He has often used this interest to support his own charity and his potential publicity for the role in a quite Christian-like, subtle way. Most recently, Ian took to Twitter this 2013 to auction off a copy of his signed “Fifty Shades of Grey” novel with a “special note” for a lucky fan, a win-win situation for all.
  • Along with fellow casting candidate Alexander Skarsgard, Ian Somerhalder has also hinted that he’s interested in making his own sex chamber of sorts akin to the fabled Red Room of Pain. “The Vampire Diaries” actor said in an interview in late 2012 on looking at websites to turn basements into home sex dungeons:“I thought I’d get prepared, just in case. I think a lot of people are doing that now!”Christian Grey, who emphasizes control in all things, might very well approve.
  • Ian Somerhalder has not gotten his nickname from some fans as “Smolder-hotter” for nothing. One of the reasons Christian Grey was described so powerfully in the novels that captured the hearts of readers around the world was in his intense gaze: those grey eyes that seemed to burn their way into Ana’s soul. Ian’s own unassailable eyes are quite arresting themselves, and could certainly make a submissive Anastasia Steele obey his every command.
  • Christian Grey is not just an expert in the bedroom; he’s an expert businessman as well, running a powerful company at the ripe young age of 28. Ian Somerhalder also knows his way around a suit, tie, and running a business of sorts of his own. Armed with a good heart, Ian is well-known outside of his acting profession as a major proponent of charity, and helped found the IS Foundation, a project that helps support protection of the environment, animals, and Anastasia Steele (all right, perhaps not that last one).
  • Christian Grey is first described as age 28 in the novels, and though few actors are extremely close to that age currently in the running (Henry Cavill wins in that category at age 29), but Ian Somerhalder is still only 34, lending himself fairly close to the age range of the CEO in the novels as well. His youthful appearance helps add to the illusion of Ian possibly playing the powerful businessman with a dark secret in the bedroom.
  • It is definitely a boon to have your hit show be considered a favorite by the author of the movie you are trying to star in, namely “Fifty Shades of Grey.” EL James is a self-acclaimed fan of “The Vampire Diaries,” and while that doesn’t necessarily confirm any casting news in Ian’s favor, it certainly doesn’t hurt his chances in any way either.
  • It wasn’t just Christian Grey’s body and skill in the bedroom that made Anastasia Steel fall in love with him: it was who Christian was beneath the surface — those fifty shades of “grey.” Ian Somerhalder seems to possess the charisma, confidence, and at-ease sex appeal that Ana finds so irresistible, and this certainly would work wonders for his character if chosen to play Christian Grey in the “Fifty Shades of Grey” movie. Top Ten Christian Grey'sTop Ten Anastasia Steele'sTop Ten Kate Kavanagh and Elliot Grey's
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, Orland Park Literature Examiner

Ryan Arciero is a junior studying English and Secondary Education at Lewis University in Illinois. Ryan is very excited to be joining Examiner.com as the Orland Park Literature Examiner. An avid reader with a passion for books, Ryan has experience writing for newspapers, completing his first YA...

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