With a newly attached director in Sam Taylor-Wood and screenwriter Kelly Marcel rapidly penning away at the script, the 50 Shades of Grey casting process looks like it will undoubtedly be picking up soon.

One of the groundbreaking roles that's surely a casting priority in the eyes of the female fans is the part of the S&M-crazed billionaire Christian Grey.

While there's been a plethora of casting prospects brought up in web chatter that come in all ages and ethnicities, there have been a select few that could clearly be considered top prospects.

One of the names that's been highly touted is Vampire Diaries' Ian Somerhalder. With his athletic physique, piercing blue eyes and dark medium length mane, the TV series standout has been at the top of several fans' wish lists.

Another actor that's caught the attention of the 50 Shades masses is White Collar's Matt Bomer. Although Bomer, 35, is fairly older than Grey, whose listed at 27, he does have a the youthful looks to fully embrace the kinky character.

A-lister Ryan Gosling has also been a name that's been regularly mentioned amid the Grey buzz. The 32-year-old has seemingly gone mainstream over the past year in terms of his popularity with the ladies.

To top it off, Gosling clearly knows a thing or two about romance, as he starred in what's now considered a classic in The Notebook.

Other names that have been brought up frequently as of late are actors Robert Pattinson and Alex Pettyfer.

The film is scheduled to debut on the big screen on August 1, 2014. Be sure to keep checking back for more of the latest details on the racy flick.

Let us know who you'd prefer to see land the highly coveted Christian Grey by simply voting below!


Tags: 50 shades of grey Fifty Shades Of Grey Movies Matt Bomer ian somerhalder ryan gosling alex pettyfer Robert Pattinson Robert Pattinson