'50 Shades of Grey' Movie Cast: Universal's Top Two Candidates to Replace Hunnam

Here we are again. We’re back clawing at the feet of “50 Shades of Grey” hot shots.

After months and months of deliberate pleading and yearning, we finally got our Christian Grey. It may not have been the top fan favorite, but at least we had a face to the name. As it goes, most fans upset with the initial results eventually warmed up to the prospect of Charlie Hunnam throwing his inhibitions out the window. And then he quit. So, now we’re back to the beginning. The relentless anticipation, the sleepless nights aimlessly surfing the web for updates, the countless daydreams that pry us from our daily responsibilities. The casting arena has reopened. We’re at square one. So who will take the sultry “50 Shades” cake this time around?

In order to speed up the process, as time is of the essence, the “50 Shades” producers have reached out to previous favorites that fell to Hunnam’s wayside during the first round. According to The Stir, Universal has reopened negotiations with Theo James and Christian Cooke. They also have their eyes on Garrett Hedlund, who received an informal offer during round one but turned it down due to schedule conflicts with Angelina Jolie’s “Unbroken,” which begins shooting this week in Australia.

But while that’s all fine and dandy, let’s get down to brass tax. The top contenders are currently Jamie Dornan of the U.K. series “The Fall” and Alexander Skarsgard of “True Blood.” A formidable duo, each worthy of the coveted role. They’re currently in talks with the studio, which hopes to make a decision within the coming weeks.

While producers promise to make a hasty decision, fans are well aware of the empty promises made during the first go around. Hopefully things will be different this time. Hopefully.