'Fifty Shades of Grey' Movie: Tom Hardy in...

The Fifty Shades of Grey movie competition now has a new male frontrunner for the coveted role of tall, dark, and sadistic Christian Grey. British actor Tom Hardy, fresh from his triumph as Bane in The Dark Knight Rises, is reportedly in negotiations to play the coveted titular part.

While, E.L. James has remained relatively non-committal about which actor she would prefer to play Mr. Grey, Universal and Focus Features announced last week that Kelly Marcel would definitely write the screenplay. Although Brett Easton Ellis had a conniption fit, Marcel is a done deal. And she just happens to have a BFF who she thinks would be perfect for the lead. Marcel and Tom Hardy go way back. In fact, they founded London's "Bad Dog Theater Company" together. Now, Hardy's agents are reportedly negotiating with the studios to make him the celluloid Mr. Grey.

In addition to The Lawless and The Dark Knight Rises, Hardy showed his romantic side opposite Reese Witherspoon in This Means War. He was also convincing as the ultra violent, psychopathic convict, in Bronson. But will he be able to pull off the role of Christian Grey?

Possibly. After all, the quintessence of theater (including movies) is the suspension of disbelief. That being said, Tom Hardy is not a handsome guy. Clueless virgin though she may be, Anastasia Steele is immediately sexually drawn to Christian largely because of his breathtaking physical beauty. If Mr. Grey were portrayed by Ian Somerhalder, Zack Efron, or the Twilight heart-throb Robert Pattinson, that would be understandable. But, to reiterate: Tom Hardy is not a handsome guy. Of course, neither is Ryan Gosling really. (Sorry, ladies.) However, Gosling makes up for his lack of matinÃ©e idol caliber pulchritude with an overwhelming abundance of on-screen charisma and mega-watt star quality that make him seem bigger and more classically handsome than he really is. Will Tom Hardy be able to measure up, and indeed beat out all his fabled competitors in the Fifty Shades of Grey casting war drama? Only time will tell.

Hope Carson is the author of 2 books: A Roaring Girl: An Interview with the Thinking Man's Hooker and A Thousand and One Night Stands: The Life of Jon Vincent. You can follow her on Twitter.

Comments: 2

Kate Daniels Oct 15, 2012, 9:24pm UTC

I must be frank, i tend to disagree with this entire idea. The notion that a particular actor can or can not play a role based upon a few minor characteristics of made up character is nothing short of narrow minded. If anything I think more women would be more fascinated by Tom hardy as the role if Christian. The character power and dominance is attractive to women, he can be dark, and that's where I think Tom hardy would be an exceptional canidate for the role. There is no doubt that Tom hardy is one of the deepest, talented actors out there right now. His ability to command the screen would surely draw women to him. Women were attracted to him when he portrayed bane, not because of how handsome his face was, clearly it was covered, but because of his physical dominance and depth. I must say, I think Tom hardy would be the only actor whp could bring an entirely deeper level to this character, he's incredibly attractive to most woman, and among other attributes, he has shown the ability to play a wide range of characters. His performance in lawless only proves he would be the best choice for the role in fifty shades of grey. women aren't attracted to bubbly boys like zac effron, this role requires a man who women can perceive as superior and dominant.

jodi logan Oct 16, 2012, 4:03pm UTC

I totally agree woman are not attracted to Zac efron types that's what young girls like. Tom hardy is extremely handsome maybe not in the pretty boy way but definitely in a manly kind of way I love that he looks real flaws and all and is very talented, I have no interest in this book series but I will see the movie if tom hardy is in it

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'Fifty Shades of Grey' Movie: Tom Hardy in Negotiations to Play Christian

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