Entertainment

Is This Your Christian Grey?

by Kate Ward

If you're a good-looking actor in Hollywood, chances are your name has been tossed into the Christian Grey ring. Not only have big names like Alexander Skarsgard been bandied about since Charlie Hunnam left Fifty Shades of Grey following "scheduling" issues (translation: "I finally read the book"), but Broadway star Billy Magnussen is in talks for Fifty Shades ' Christian Grey.

Casting Magnussen would be more in line with director Sam Taylor-Johnson's choice for Anastasia Steele — Dakota Johnson, known mostly for her short-lived stint on TV's Ben and Kate, was a surprising, and relatively under-the-radar, pick. It wouldn't necessarily be the worst option for Fifty Shades — the film, which has reportedly already called in the script doctors — could afford to be a bit more under-the-radar these days.

Also, perhaps Magnussen is good from a financial standpoint as well — as reported earlier in the week, Hunnam was only going to collect $125,000 for his role as the S&M purveyor Christian Grey.

That said, Magnussen could deserve more — not only is he a Tony nominee, having starred in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, but, based on photos, his frame already seems up to the Christian Grey challenge.