Jamie Dornan picked to play Christian Grey in 50 Shades of Grey!  

After Charlie Hunnam unexpectedly pulled out of the Christian Grey role for 50 Shades of Grey, it was not known who would fill the role of the 31 year old kinky billionaire.  Now, actor Jamie Dornan has been announced as the new lead.  He will play opposite Dakota Johnson, the pick for love interest Anastasia Steele.

Jamie Dornan isn't as well-known as Charlie Hunnam, but according to The Wrap that might help viewers accept him in the role of Christian Grey.  Jamie Dornan was a rugby player and Calvin Klein model, and dated actress Keira Knightley.  He also played a role in the Sophia Coppola film Marie Antoinette.

Watch Jamie Dornan in 50 Shades of Grey Video Here: 

50 Shades of Grey caused a literary sensation when it was released, drawing readers into a mysterious world of sexual intrigue.  Doing a movie adaptation of a novel is never easy, so hopefully Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson can portray the Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele characters as imagined by readers.

Fans of Fifty Shades of Grey will also be happy to hear that there may be as many as 3 "50 Shades" movies in the next few years, based off the sequels to the original novel.

Sam Taylor-Johnson is directing €œFifty Shades of Grey for Universal and Focus. Mike De Luca and Dana Brunetti are producing the movie.  50 Shades of Grey is scheduled to open in theaters on Aug. 1, 2014.