50 Shades of Grey Composite Yields The 'Perfect' Christian Grey
Fans of E.L. James' erotic bestseller 50 Shades of Grey have been fantasy-casting their perfect Christian Grey for months, arguing over whether this actor or that actor would best embody the BDSM-addicted rich playboy hero in the forthcoming film adaptation. But one enterprising academic has cobbled together the perfect Christian Grey with the help of police technology — a little Brad Pitt here, a dash of McDreamy there — morphing together the features of various leading men. The result: Kinda creepy!
University of Central Lancashire's (UCLan) Dr Faye Skelton employed image-generating software to "create" the first image of womankind's perfect Christian Grey, using a radio poll of a tiny sampling of fans of the novel. Among this Christian's features, taken from their suggested dream actors: Patrick Dempsey's eyes, Brad Pitt's jawline, Chris Hemsworth's nose, and, um, Val Kilmer's lips. Needless to say, this 12-woman focus group might have been a bit too narrow a selection...
"While we don't want to intrude on anyone's fantasies, based on a small sample of women, this is the image of Christian Grey they have in their heads when reading the novels," Skelton said (via the BBC). "Personally, I think he's quite handsome — although everyone's interpretation will be different."
Neat trick, but way off-base to begin with — almost all of the celebrity sex symbols whose features went into this bizarre face-mash are too old to play Christian Grey, anyway. It doesn't just make sense to fantasy-cast just any piece of hunky Hollywood man meat for the role; it makes even less sense to mush together the noses and ears and hairlines of random hot dudes and think that will equal hotness squared. I guess this faux Christian isn't terrible-looking - he looks like any bro you'd see at the gym, though I keep fixating on his various face parts and thinking about who they belong to. Is this the vision of godlike man-beauty you envision introducing Anastasia Steele to a world of kink and psycho-sexual dramarama? Not so much. Besides: What woman is that into Val Kilmer's lips?
[BBC, Daily Mail]
Subscribe to the new Movieline on YouTube
Comments
I pictured Alexander Skarsgard (Eric Northman) from TrueBlood as Christian Grey. Tell me that he's not fine & the perfect one to play the part?! He's tall, same hair color & length & same personality. Alex gets my vote BIG TIME! Anyone else agree?
Christine, agree, Alexander Skarsgard comes to mind, but he might be too old to play the part, Christian Grey was in his early 20's. So i'm not sure. But the composite drawn, is just awful, nothing handsome about the face....nothing. Nothing like Christian Grey.
Kaitlyn, I agree about the composite sketch. Mr. Grey "aims to please" and he would definately not be pleased with this sketch. Does his descrition no justice at all. I guess that's why the book is always better. Lol =)
I disagree that Alex is too old to play the part, though. I believe his character was 27 in the book & by book 3 he was 28. Alex is only 35 in real life & I still think he can pull off 28, no?
Christine, I think Christian was 26...not sure,,,I'll have to go back & check it out...and I don't mind doing that at all! LOL! Alex is a good choice, but Brittany might have a point there...Chris Hemsworth...very, very, nice too!
I am voting for Jonathan Rhys-Myers, the Irish soccer coach from "Bend it LIke Beckham" for Christian Gray. He is younger, has light eyes, and he could totally say, "Laters, baby," in that sexy way! Someone call him and find out what he's doing next!
JRM isn't all that tall. Cute though.
i had chris hemsworth pictured as christian grey.. muscular and seductive. Mmm
Brittany...Just looking at photos of Chris, might be a very good choice!
He is my idea of the perfect Christian, he is amazing!
I definitely agree! Christ Hemsworth would be a perfect Christian Grey. He has that sexy look that women just can't resist. I just hope he can do a good American accent!
Christine & Britanny...Who do you think should play Anastasia Steele?
Kaitlyn & Brittany, I am pretty happy with Alex as Christian regardless of age...he has that quiet strength & immensley brooding sex on fire stare. You make me laugh tho Kaitlyn,... about going back to check Mr. Grey's age. I know it's no trouble or inconvience to go back and double check, but I assure you I know for a fact (as I went back to reread myself...hehehe) that Mr. Grey aka kinky bastard, aka Mr. Mercurial, aka Fifty, aka Stalker, aka Christian, aka The Dom, aka The CEO of Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc., etc. was indeed 28 in book 3 =)
Wasn't Chris Hemmsworth the actor who played in Thor? If so, I think he seems a bit too broad & muscular for Christian as I pictured him more slender...whomever they choose, I hope it will be great! I wouldn't mind if Ian Somerholder got the part...he is super sexy & the reason I watch Vampire Diaries. LOL. I could also see Matt Bomer playing the part as I just watched an amazing teaser trailer a fan did on YouTube. You ladies need to check it out, it was spot on! It's listed as: Fifty Shades of Grey (Teaser Trailer 2013) Meet Mr. Grey. I would love to know what you guys think of the amazing trailer this Dan Brbaz guy did.
In answer to your question Kaitlyn, I haven't really thought of Ana's casting yet, but perhaps Leighton Meester from The Roommate? I don't really know, BUT definately NOT Kristen Stewart...she had her share & I could use a break from her for a while, no offense =) Who do you envision for her character?
I just found this site and was reading the article, then read your postings so I had to put my two cents in on the Ana actress. I think Alexis Bledel, Anne Hathaway, Michelle Tractenberg, Kirsten Dunst or Anna Paquin could play the part quite easily. Anyone but Kristen Stewart is really fine with me though as long as she can play the shy, easily blushing type easily.
I always had a lean curly headed Christian with dynamic eyes in my head. Someone like Ian Somerholder or Henry Cavil could definitely work. Whoever they choose has to have great eyes though!
Age? Doesn't have to be exactly portrayed as the book states in my opinion. As long as the eyes and vulnerability play out right.
I couldn't agree more with you about Kristen Stewart not playing the part of Ana Steele. I don't think she's a good actress and, it's true, the audience needs a break from her. One of the signature features of Ana are her big blue eyes, which is the first thing that gets Christian's attention so I hope that whoever plays her has that feature so it follows the book more closely. I don't think that Kristen has those captivating eyes.
MY VIEW OF THE "GREY"
image is ME . CHECK OUT MY PHOTO !
Okay Robert, where's your photo? You certainly have the cocky attitude down, so let's see the face to back it up. Lol 😉
I agree to an extent with Aimee. I don't know how they will make this movie without leaving a bunch of stuff out & everyone's own imagination is what makes the book always better.
Great suggestion, Deneen! Paul Walker would work too...just not sure if he can portray the coorporate Mr. Grey, but he is wonderful eye candy.
NO, that is not Christian Grey. They should not make a movie, there is way too much that would have to be left out, not to mention I'm not sure anyone could portray Christian as well as he is written.
totally agree..i dont think you can put faces on these characters..that would put a damper om the books i think just like the twilight series..yes i read them and i was VERY disappointed when they put faces to them. come on ladies..the imagination is so much better!!
I am thinking it should be Matt Damon and Katie Holmes
I think Matt Damon is a bit too old for the role, don't you think? in the book, Christian Grey is in his late 20s and Matt Damon definitely does not look like he's in his twenties, just sayin.
Paul Walker as Christian Grey. Enough said.
I don't like any of the choices selected... Alex is way too old, Chris Helmsworth is totally wrong, wrong age, build, look, etc... Matt and Katie, not in this lifetime, totally wrong, Paul Walker, I might consider as a long shot, my money is on either Rob Pattinson or Ian Somerholder. As far as the girls go, either Kristen Stewart or Alexis Bleidel could do it. I really wish they would cast this already .... it's so frustrating....
are you kidding me?? Kristin Stewart would RUIN the role of Ana Steele. She's completely wrong for the part. In addition, her acting skills are mediocre to say the least. Alexis Bredel, on the other hand, I can see her playing Ana Steele, especially since she has the eyes for it.
IAN ALL THE WAY.....
Becky, may I ask how old you are? I'm just curious per your selections. If you think Alex is too old, then I would think that you would say Ian Somerholder is too old as well since Alex is only 3 years older than Ian, no?
Believe it or not, I am 42 years old.... my opinion of who it should be is based on who it is that inspired the character in the first place, it was Rob and Kristen. Rob is the perfect age to play Christian, he has the right bad boy qualities that he possesses, and also has the smoldering eyes and kissable lips. Alex does not have any of those factors as far as I am concerned, Ian Somerholder is the next closest thing to Christian....
Interesting, Becky. I was not aware that Rob & Kristen inspired the characters. I just read the books and have not investigated where the inspiration for these books and characters came from...yet. Makes sense as they do kind of fit the descriptions. I wouldn't mind seeing Ian Somerholder as Christian, the only thing is, how would he look with copper colored hair? Do you watch TrueBlood, Becky? I have to disagree that Alex doesn't fit the description of Christian's personality & physique. In any case, I sure hope these movie makers don't butcher & shatter these books we all have come to envision. I wish E.L. James' would continue where she left off in book 3 and write another 3 books from Christian's point of view. I would definately read those! =)
Christine, With Ian, I think he could pull it off, may take a little getting used to, as opposed to Rob who already has that color hair... I have not seen any of the True Bloods, tho I hear it is a great series. Like you, I pray to God that they do the books justice, of course the sex scenes will be tamed down (much to my disappointment) and I am also anxious to read the books again from his point of view... She can continue this series forever, and I would eat each one up... I can't wait!!!
So Becky, she has decided to write them all from his point of view?! If so, goody gumdrops!!! Do you know when she plans on releasing the first one? I have off this next week & I simply must research all the background info on this. Lol
I highly recommend you check out TrueBlood...either rent it or if you get HBO on demand start watching, but watch it from the beginning. I think that as you watch Alex's character (Eric Northman) you will see Christian Grey's quiet, smoldering stares & over protective qualities peaking out at you...more so in season 3-4.
I absolutely adore Ian Somerholder & he is the sole reason I watch The Vampire Diaries...and anything else he is in. (Swoon much? Lol) I gather you watch it too? His eyes are the most amazing & captivating eyes I have ever seen, not to mention I adore his character's cocky, overprotective, rebellious personality. Elena should get her mind in the game & chose him already. Lol!
Hi Christine,
I'm not sure when the books are coming out, she mentioned re-writing them a short time ago, hopefully working on it now... 🙂
I will try to watch True Blood to get an idea of Alex's character, I AM VERY much into Vampire Diaries and agree whole-heartedly about the reason to watch... Ian's eyes are so hypnotic and sexy, I would be under his spell in a NY minute...I think that Elena and Damon will be getting together now that she's remembering more of her past.... I got my first glimpse of him in the very short lived series Young Americans (followed Dawson's Creek). I fell for him back then, there's something about a man's eyes that are so riviting....
Oh, well, I sure hope she decided to write them...& will release them sooner rather than later! She would have to be insane not to.
I agree, a man's eyes are usually what draws me in...& my favorite part of a man aside from the most obvious part. Lol ;} Broad shoulders are another feature I love. I stumbled onto Ian Somerholder first through The Vampire Diaries. I devoured The Twilight books & a friend told me to check out this show as it was so similar. I have been hooked ever since. That Nina Dobrev is one lucky gal! I hope you do check out TrueBlood. The accents were hard to not laugh at initially, but you get used to it. Please let me know what you think of it & please let me know if you hear anything else about Our Dear Mr. Mercurial's POV books. It has been great chatting with you. Off to work I go...not looking forward to a double shift, but seeing as I have not found my own Christian Grey yet, I have to pay the bills =( Please stay in touch fellow Fifty Fan! (Say that 3 times fast. Lol )
thanks Christine... If I hear anything new, I'll let you know right away... great talking to you as well 🙂 don't work too hard!! LOL
Not work hard? I wish...just saving lives, but I love my work so I actually look forward to work, just not when I have a nagging headache all day. These Summer monsoons reek havoc on my migraines. Perhaps I should have been a weather forcaster as I can always tell when it's going to rain. Lol
Take care, Becky. Chat soon & please keep me posted =)
being one to fantazie about my romantic heroes. i often find myself looking at different guys on the bus and comparing them to christian. none of them have come close! the one actor( whose name i can't remember) that i would definitly like to see play the role of christian if there ever is a movie, is the guy who played samanthas long time boyfriend on sex and the city. hes got the, the lips,. the jaw. the eyes, the BODY,the hands, the smile simply the look of christian. he commands respect, the no challange CEO that all ladys seem to gush over.
Lolita, you're thinking of the character of Smith Jorred played by Jason Lewis... he's gorgeous and all, but not right for the darker part of Christian....
To all..this is really getting to be a fun discussion! It's interesting to see how readers perceive Christian physically. Maybe it's the copper color hair and grey eyes, but I see him with a lighter complexion, not dark at all, but fair. After looking at all the actors mentioned (what fun that was! LOL!) Robert Pattison seems closest to him in phyical appearance. And Becky is right, the characters in the "Twilight" series were the ones the author had in mind when she wrote "50 Shades". I read she posted some of her work on a "Twilight" forum & posters were offended by the sexual nature of her text. I just hope whoever makes the movie does justice to the books. Otherwise it's going to be a big let down. If I might..2 other actors some of my friends brought up, see what you think..one is Michael Pitt, he played Jimmy on "Boardwalk Empire" and the other is Emily VanCamp, Emily on "Revenge" Emily has such an innocent looking face, but her hair is light & short, and her eyes brown..but its Hollywood, that could be corrected with contact lenses & dye/ or a wig. Another interesting thing a friend brought up was a movie called "8 1/2 weeks" (also very S&M, if you havent seen it, rent it, you won't be disappointed) it starred Kim Bassinger & Mickey Rourke (who looks like hell now!) anyways, Kim has a daughter, Ireland Baldwin, she now has blonde hair, but there are pictures of her before at an awards show with her dad (Alec Baldwin) and her hair is very dark & she has very blue eyes. I think she is a teenager, maybe too young for the part. But that would be some coincidence if she were able to make the same kind of movie her mom did. Hope more people post with their ideas! I agree with Lolita...Jason Lewis is sooo hot... he'd be perfect for the part, but maybe too old? Too bad!
Christine, Enjoy your posts. i sympatize with you about migranes, I get them from time to time. Just awful. Right now, I'm sidelined with a herniated disk in my back. so painful, hope It gets better soon.
I too have thoroughly enjoyed this discussion thus far & find it very interesting to hear everyone's thoughts. Ironically enough, my Mother of all people suggested I read these books. So the fact that it has been referred to as "Mommy's porn" is personally hysterical to me!
Thank you for the well wishes, Kaitlyn. My headache has gotten a lot better tonight & thankfully it's slow enough in the ER so I can take a second & check in on this great discussion. Sorry to hear that you are down & out with a herniated disc =( I hope you feel better soon. Don't overdo it, they take a long time to heal. How did you herniate it? It wasn't while trying any kinky f*&$ery, was it? Sorry, bad joke, but I couldn't resist. I sincerely hope you feel better.
I'll be checking in on the posts as I am pulling a double. My horrible insomnia has its perks...I get to make money (nothing that comes close to $100,000 dollars an hour) while talking to cool women about some great books. Keep it up ladies. I know we all "aim to please!"
Charlie Hunnam from s.o.a is my christian grey!
Paul Walker IS Christian Grey!
Stephen Moyer is who I see
Alexander Skarsgard gets my vote, I think he is the best Actor for the job, plus I can see those pants just hanging off his hips.
Amen, Erika! As you can see from my previous posts, I am all for Alex as Christian! You said it girl, I can totally see "those pants hanging from his hips in that way!"
I am torn tho, I want to see how they do the movie and at the same time, I dont because I think they are going to mess it up as they surely can't make this film the way it is written without it being X-rated.
I couldn't agree with you, I honestly don't think they should make a film because it can only be x-rated if it is done right and who wants to play that? Also, I just don't think a film can do more justice for this book than my imagination.
I think Ryan Gosling would make a fine Christian Grey! He has approximately the same build, and I know when I watch his movies he smolders like no other! He has a dark and sexy quality about him. would have to change the hair, not sure what color his eyes are, but could be fixed with colored lenses. Ana, not sure about.
I think who ever plays Christian Grey needs to be not only handsome but he has to have that seductive look. In the book, all the women that saw him, their mouths dropped open, so the actor that plays him needs to have that wow factor. Chris Hemsworth is definitely at the top of my list to play him, although he would have to have a very convincing American accent. Other actors that crossed my mind were Ryan Reynolds, Chris Evans, Channing Tatum, and Kellan Lutz. All I know is that I picture Christian Grey as breathtaking, handsome and absolutely irresistible so I hope who ever plays him in the movie can live up to those standards!
Some of the actresses that cross my mind for Ana's role are Mila Kunis (in the book, the first thing that gets Christian's attention are her big blue eyes and Mila Kunis definitely has beautiful big eyes, a perfect fit!), Ashley Greene (she has a gorgeous face!), Alexis Bledel (she has the blue eyes for it!). Not to be mean, but I REALLY REALLY REALLY hope Kristin Stewart does not get this role because I truly don't believe in her acting skills and I don't see Ana Steele in her. Just my personal opinion!
Yes I could see Mila Kunis in the role of Ana too 🙂
I have been wondering who you all thought could play Elena?
I've been thinking someone like Sharon Stone or Shannon Tweed Simmons. Either way, it would have to be a striking older blonde.
what about Kim Cattrall? she has that older seductive cougar look and we know her skills in that department from her role in Sex and the City.
Kim Cattrall could play it off too I think.
I think Chase Crawford...he looks like he can fit the description along with Leighton Meester: ) Great combination!
Matt Bomer is Christian Grey to me.. Too bad he's gay.. Only reason people could have second thoughts about him to be Christian Grey
Missed posting on the boards because of back problems. I'm just wondering....what does anyone thing of Megan Fox as Anastasia? Thanks!
Oops typo! that should be think, not thing....sorry!
I'm for Paul Walker who is over six feet tall and Anne Hathaway, of course with "powder blue" eyes.
I don't think Anne Hathaway is that pretty. Paul Walker is gorgeous, but he's 38 years old, too old to play Christian Grey. What about Taylor Lautner? Great body!
He looks like the porn star James Deen
Ian all the way!!!!!! Hes got the eyes! And well, everything!
I haven't seen anyone mention Bradley Copper as Christian Grey!! He's perfect for it, yummy 🙂
Megan Fox as Anastasia is a good one!!
Henry Cavill would be PERFECT as Christian Grey! He has the great looks, and the eyes! 🙂
Next » « Previous