The Christian Grey casting sweepstakes for the film adaptation of E.L. James' Fifty Shades of Grey continues to heat up, as fans eagerly await its eventual casting results.

One of the names that has come up sporadically for the role of the S&M-crazed billionaire is Dominic Cooper of Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

In a recent slideshow posted by Marie Claire, the 35-year-old was named as one of the top 50 Shades movie cast contenders.

The publication noted that "with his smoldering stare and handsome good looks, Dominic Cooper is certainly a contender for a Fifty Shades of Grey movie role."

Cooper aside, some other new names have worked themselves into the Grey melee, which includes The Originals' Joseph Morgan and Hannibal's Hugh Dancy.

However, many fans currently consider Vampire Diaries' Ian Somerhalder and White Collar's Matt Bomer as the two top prospects. Nonetheless, only time will truly tell who ultimately lands the role.

Fifty Shades screenwriter Kelly Marcel, who's nearly finished writing the film script, stated that it would be adhering to the content of James' books with lots of sex and raunchiness. Producers are reportedly aiming for an NC-17 rating, according to Style magazine.

The movie is slated to premiere in theaters on Thursday, August 1, 2014. Keep checking back for more of the latest info on the erotic film. Cooper can be seen below during a recent interview.

Tags: Fifty Shades Of Grey Movies Dominic Cooper