Alexander Skarsgard, Jamie Dornan in Running to Replace Charlie Hunnam in 50 SHADES OF GREY

Since the news broke this weekend that SONS OF ANARCHY's Charlie Hunnam decided he wasn't quite ready to be chained to the FIFTY SHADES OF GREY franchise, Universal and Focus have been hard at work to line up a new 'Christian Grey' - as quickly as possible.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, execs are revisting former favorites for the role, including TRUE BLOOD's Alexander Skarsgard and THE FALL's Jamie Dornan. Others being considered are Theo James and Christian Cooke. Garrett Hedlund, a one-time front-runner for the role, is now out of play, having signed on for Angelina Jolie's UNBROKEN.

THR also writes that the studios have brought on the Oscar-nominated Patrick Marber to once-over the script, providing rewrites and polishing as needed. The film, set to be directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, features an original script by Kelly Marcel.

Dakota Johnson will play 'Anastasia Steele' in the film adaptation of EL James' bestselling, steamy book series.

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

Johnson, a 23-year-old former model, was previously seen in the Oscar nominated 'The Social Network' as well as FOX's short-lived comedy Ben and Kate. She is the daughter of actors Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith.Ehle's upcoming projects include Robocop, A Little Chaos, Black and White and Advantageous. Past film credits include Zero Dark Thirty Contagion, The Ides of March, The Adjustment Bureau, The King's Speech, Wilde, Pride and Prejudice and more.

Photo Credit: Matt Baron / Jim Smeal / BEImages

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