Irish actor-model Jamie Dornan has responded to rumours that he will be replaced by Ian Somerhalder in the upcoming Fifty Shades of Grey sequels. The Vampire Diaries star was a fan favourite for the role of Christian Grey in the film version of EL James's best-selling erotic novel during the casting process.
While appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live, the 34-year-old actor was asked to talk about the reports. The host asked: "Supposedly, I heard that Ian Somerhalder is replacing you in that. Do you know anything about that? Is that true?"
Dornan replied: "No. I don't know."
He added: "That would be really hard for them to do, considering we shot both of the movies. That's an expensive mistake, I'll put it that way. But good luck to him - he'll be great!"
Previously, Charlie Hunnam was scheduled to appear opposite Dakota Johnson, daughter of actors Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson in the film. Later the Sons of Anarchy star left the project.
Somerhalder had revealed that he is interested in the role at that time. He told Metro in June 2013: "It could be anyone, that's how that goes. One can never get bored of people asking about a huge project, every guy in Hollywood is up for this role."
The two final installments in the Fifty Shades of Grey franchise, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed, completed filming in July. The films are scheduled to release in February 2017 and February 2018.
