’50 Shades Of Grey’ Movie Cast Rumors: Source Claims ‘Vampire Diaries’ Star Ian Somerhalder Will Not Play Christian Grey

“Fifty Shades Of Grey” may have a release date, but it still doesn’t have a cast. The latest rumors surrounding the exotic novel by E.L. James is that fan favorite Ian Somerhalder won't land the coveted role of Christian Grey and Garrett Hedlund already turned it down!

A source told Us Weekly that despite “Vampire Diaries” star Somerhalder expressing an interest in playing the kinky entrepreneur, E.L. James was telling Comic-Con partygoers that the 34-year-old stud won’t get the part. This report comes a few months after fans began to speculate that the actor was a front-runner for the role. In February, a “Fifty Shades Of Grey” Twitter fan page posted a photo of a masked Somerhalder with a line from the book. “All I can see of his face is his beautiful chiseled mouth and strong jaw,” the photo captioned said. James responded to the tweet with a smiley face.

Just a few weeks ago, Somerhalder was questioned again about the role, telling Metro Online that “One can never get bored of people asking about a huge project.” He played coy though about the potential part, explaining that “Everyone has to realize every guy in Hollywood is up for this role. It could be anyone – that’s how that goes.”

Us Weekly's source said that "On The Road” star (and boyfriend of Kirsten Dunst) Garrett Hedlund passed on playing the role of Christian Grey in the “Fifty Shades Of Grey” movie.

“Doing a possible trilogy was too big a commitment, and producers wouldn’t let him do just one film,” the source said of 28-year-old Hedlund.

“Fifty Shades Of Grey” is set to hit theaters on Aug. 1, 2014. The film will be directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson. E.L. James recently told Vulture magazine that she was “blown away” by Taylor-Johnson’s films and that the director has “a good idea about the whole ‘Fifty’ experience.”

Who would you like to see cast in the “Fifty Shades Of Grey” movie? Let us know in the comments section.