50 Shades Of Grey Lead Role Top 5: Cavill, Bomer, Somerholder, Crawford, Paisley

The entertainment world is still buzzing about who will snatch up the lead role as Christian Grey in the movie adaptation of the best-selling novel '50 Shades of Grey.' We've decided to compile our list of the top five most likely candidates.

In figuring out who to select, we took into account each actor's general appeal among fans as well as rumors that have circulated about their involvement with project. Also keep in mind that the author of 50 Shades of Grey, E.L. James, has already stated that she wants someone relatively unknown for the role. Without further ado, here's our list:

Henry Cavill

This 29 year old British hunk has been rumored as the top candidate for the role for some time now, even recently garnering E.L. James' public support. Cavill's stock is rising rapidly in Hollywood right now, as he has recently landed the role in the Warner Bros. Superman production 'Man of Steel.' Without a doubt, Cavill is the man to beat.

Matt Bomer

Many fans have also been pleading for Bomer to be cast as the next Christian Grey. The Guiding Light actor seems to be physically ideal to play the role, though some are questioning if he can pull off the requisite toughness of grey. Despite his homosexuality, few women seem to be complaining about Bomer as the man of their deviant dreams.

Ian Somerholder

Somerholder, 34, of Vampire Diaries fame, is another fan favorite who has been the target of quite a few rumors in recent weeks. He might have the largest, or at least most rabid, fan base of all the contenders. Some are saying that the Grey role is too similar to his character on Vampire Diaries, which would take away from the aesthetic of the movie.

Chace Crawford

Besides being in the headlines this week for getting extra cozy with rumored model girlfriend Rachelle Goulding, Crawford has also drawn some attention as a candidate for the Grey role. That attention, however, has mainly been of his own doing, as Crawford has publicly lobbied to be considered for the movie.

Devin Paisley

An almost complete unknown, Paisley could very well be the underdog that comes in to swoop the lead role out from under everyone's noses. Though he's still only a candidate in theory, Paisley has the requisite stunning looks and the benefit of being unknown, something James is looking for. He's a long shot, but don't count Paisley out.