Charlie Hunnam's Fifty Shades of Grey Replacement Should Be a "Fresh Face," Says Producer

Start crossing A-list hunks off the list? Fifty Shades of Greymovie producer Michael De Luca told The Los Angeles Times on Monday, Oct. 21 that he wants Charlie Hunnam's replacement in the role of Christian Grey to be a newcomer.

"I feel like everyone has an idea of what these characters look like and sound like, so to present the world with fresh faces -- where no pre-conceived notions or baggage come with it -- is best," he explained. "It's like casting Superman or James Bond. A fresh face is appropriate."

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Since Sons of Anarchy star Hunnam dropped out of the role on Oct. 12, several handsome actors have been rumored to be up for the coveted role in the film adaptation of E.L. James' erotic novel. Rumored A-list contenders -- who should perhaps be ruled out already -- include: True Blood star Alexander Skarsgard, White Collar actor Matt Bomer and Vampire Diaries hottie Ian Somerhalder.

Other lesser-known actors in the running -- who may still have a fighting chance -- include: Australian actor Luke Bracey, Into the Woods star Billy Magnussen, Once Upon a Time actor Jamie Dornan, Romeo and Juliet star Christian Cooke, Underworld: Awakening actor Theo James, French Canadian actor Francois Arnaud and Clint Eastwood's son Scott Eastwood.

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De Luca declined to share with The Los Angeles Times which actors are frontrunners, but did suggest that female lead Dakota Johnson will be staying in the film. "I happen to think Dakota could have chemistry with a mailbox," the producer said. "But we're going to help her out and hook her up with the right person."

Many questioned if Johnson, the 24-year-old daughter of Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson, would continue to play Anastasia Steele after Hunnam's exit. The actor previously suggested that their onscreen chemistry was one of the reasons they were cast. "[The director and I] kind of both suggested I do a reading with Dakota, who was her favorite, and as soon as we got in the room and I started reading with Dakota I knew that I definitely wanted to do it," Hunnam previously explained of the audition process. "There's just like a tangible chemistry between us. It felt exciting and fun and weird and compelling."