On Tuesday, a new Hollywood heartthrob emerged as a possibility for the role of Christian Grey in the upcoming hit movie 50 Shades of Grey, star of Step Up Revolution Ryan Guzman. But, just as soon as it seemed as though Guzman may have emerged as the front-runner, new reports suggest it may be Matt Bomer who is in the lead for the coveted role of Christian Grey.
For anyone who has been following along this summer, news that Bomer is back in the mix comes as a surprise. Just a week ago, Bomer was thought to be out of the running, after writer Bret Easton Ellis tweeted that Bomer should not play the male lead in 50 Shades of Grey because the actor is gay. Ellis had been interested in serving as the screenwriter for the movie, but he was removed from the screenwriting list. Subsequently, on Aug. 8, he tweeted, "Okay I'll say it. Matt Bomer isn't right for Christian Grey because he is openly gay. He's great for other roles but this is too big a game."
After facing backlash for that tweet, Ellis responded with a second tweet, "I am NOT discriminating Matt Bomer because of his sexuality. Fifty Shades of Grey demands an actor that is genuinely into women. Get it?!?" He followed that up with, "I think Matt Bomer is incredibly handsome and a good actor but I think he comes off totally gay in White Collar. And that is why no to CG [Christian Grey] ..."
Rather than hurt Bomer's chances for the role, however, Ellis' comments may have actually had the opposite effect, making him a fan favorite to play Christian Grey. Bomer's fans have taken to Twitter to make the case for why the gay actor would still make for a good the straight part of Christian Grey. Now, Ellis has also taken to Twitter to recant his previous statements, saying (albeit somewhat sarcastically) "You know what? I changed my mind. I know feel a gay actor HAS GOT to be cast as Christian Grey. It's IMPERATIVE someone gay should play him ..."
Whether or not Bomer is truly in the lead for the role remains to be seen. One thing that is clear, however, is that a role that was previously assumed would go to proven celebrity Ryan Gosling hands down may now be up for grabs. Other stars that have been mentioned in the Christian Grey conversation are: Ian Somerhalder, Robert Pattinson, and Ryan Guzman.
On the female side, the potential actresses mentioned in the conversation to play Anastasia Steele include: Kristen Stewart, Angelina Jolie, and Elizabeth Olsen.
Book author E.L. James has let fans know on Twitter that no decision has yet been made about who will be cast for the role, so the Bomer vs. Gosling battle for America's famous male actor continues until further notice.
