While fans eagerly wait to find out who will portray Christian Grey in the upcoming film adaptation of "50 Shades of Grey," it looks like there is one actor who will definitely not be playing the coveted role. According to celebrity news blogger Perez Hilton, a source close to author E.L. James has revealed that 'Gossip Girl' actor Chace Crawford will most definitely not be playing the sexy domineering billionaire.
Hilton reports that the source admitted, "Casting wouldn't look at him [Crawford] as a first, second or even third choice." The news comes shortly after the 27-year-old revealed that he was interested in the role. During an interview with FOX411's Pop Tarts column, Crawford said he would "love the challenge" of playing Christian Grey.
"I have not read the books, but what I know is that it is risqué, and to be honest, anything to shake up from the way I have been going would be good," Crawford admitted. He also joked that he would totally be up for the intense S&M porn-like sex scenes. "I am only comfortable with S&M sex scenes! The other ones are just too simple and boring for me," he joked.
The latest fan polls conducted by Latinos Post show that the actor not only fails to have James' support, but the fans' as well. He has consistently done poorly in the fan polls with less than 10 percent of the votes in the last two polls he was included in, including only one percent of the votes in a poll conducted late last week.
Unfortunately for fans, the casting decision has been delayed due to lack of a script and director. Both E.L. James and screenwriter Kelly Marcel have said that those two steps are crucial in beginning the casting process. The film, which was purchased by Universal Pictures and Focus Films earlier in 2012, also counts on producers Dana Brunetti and Mike De Luca.
The first film of the "50 Shades" series has yet to establish a release date.