Tony Nominee Billy Magnussen Closes in on FIFTY SHADES OF GREY Lead

Broadway's Billy Magnussen is one step closer to nabbing the lead in the upcoming FIFTY SHADES OF GREY film adaptation.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the former VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE star screen tested on Friday opposite Dakota Johnson and director Sam Taylor-Johnson. Sources suggest that the role of 'Christian Grey' will likely go to Magnussen or THE FALL's Jamie Dornan, after SONS OF ANARCHY's Charlie Hunnam exited the film earlier this month.

As previously reported, rumors of Magnussen's involvement arose last week, when names such as Theo James, Christian Cooke, and Australian actor Luke Bracey were linked to the role as well.

THR also recently confirmed that the studios have brought on the Oscar-nominated Patrick Marber to once-over the script, providing rewrites and polishing as needed. The film features an original script by Kelly Marcel, based upon E.L. James' best-seller.

FIFTY SHADES is set to begin filming next month, in anticipation of an August 2014 release.

Magnussen's theatre credits include: Broadway: The Ritz, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike(LTC), Paper Dolls. Film: Twelve, Happy Tears, Damsels in Distress, 2nd Serve, Surviving Family, The Brass Teapot, The East, The Lost Valentine. Television: "Boardwalk Empire," "Blue Bloods," "Your Pretty Little Face is going to Hell," "In Plain Sight," "Law & Order," "Poopstains," "Law & Order: CI," "The Unusuals," "NCIS: Los Angeles," "CSI," "As the World Turns." Education: University of North Carolina School of the Arts. He is also a member of the rock band "Reserved for Rondee. As previously reported, Magnussen has also boarded HBO's upcoming series THE MONEY, also featuring Nathan Lane and Brendan Gleeson - and is currently filming the big screen adaptation of INTO THE WOODS.