Exclusive

Jamie Dornan Had "Really Good Read" for Fifty Shades of Grey

Irish actor in talks to portray Christan Grey in film adaptation of E.L. James' book

By Marc Malkin, Jordana Ossad Oct 19, 2013 5:16 PMTags
Jamie Dornan,Tim Whitby/Getty Images

Could Jamie Dornan be the man with the bright gray eyes?

A source tells E! News exclusively that the Irish actor is the leader of the (very hot) pack to portray the coveted role of Christian Grey in the film adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey.

"He had a really good read today," the source said last night.

And as far as the chemistry with the film's Anastasia Steele, Dakota Johnson?

The source explained that the studio is focusing more attention on getting the part filled and not as worried about how the actor will do opposite Johnson.

"The studio isn't worried about Dakota," the source added. "They think she could handle whoever the guy is."

Reports began swirling ever since Charlie Hunnam dropped out that Dornan is the front-runner to play the wealthy businessman with a secret S&M side.

The rumor mill with potential replacements has been churning since Hunnam's departure, and the list includes (to name a few) fan favorites Matt Bomer and Ian Somerhalder, François Arnaud, Billy Magnussen, Luke Bracey, Christian Cooke and Scott Eastwood.

(E! and Universal Pictures are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)