Fans were shocked when speculations that the "Fifty Shades Darker" actor Jamie Dornan will be replaced by "The Vampire Diaries" actor Ian Somerhalder in the BDSM-themed movie franchise came out. To defy the rumors, Dornan appeared at the "Jimmy Kimmel Live" on Nov. 3, Thursday, while promoting "The Fall."
During Dornan's guesting, Kimmel asked the Irish actor if he knows the rumors that Somerhalder is replacing him as the billionaire entrepreneur Christian Grey in the famous film franchise based on the erotic novel written by E.L. James. The "Jimmy Kimmel Live" host followed it up with the question if the rumors are true.
"No," Dornan told Kimmel. "I don't know. 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!"
Before Kimmel was able to add anything, Dornan assured his fans that the shooting for "Fifty Shades Darker" and "Fifty Shades Freed" were already done. So if there are rumors about Somerhalder playing Grey in the "Fifty Shades Darker" or in the upcoming sequels, fans of the film franchise already know that they are all completely rumors.
Although Dornan was in the "Jimmy Kimmel Live" to endorse "The Fall," the actor can't help, but talked about the "Fifty Shades Darker" movie. He even compared the fans of "Fifty Shades" and "The Fall." Dornan added there is hunger in the eyes of the "Fifty Shades" fans, and he could see and smell it.
It is unclear where Somerhalder casting rumors originated, but eversince the "Fifity Shades" started rolling in 2013, the husband of Nikki Reed has been a favorite candidate to play Grey in the movie. He has also expressed his interest in the role.
"One can never get bored of people asking about a huge project," Somerhalder told METRO in 2013. "Everyone has to realize every guy in Hollywood is up for this role. It could be anyone - that's how that goes."
Aside from Somerhalder, Charlie Hunnam and Matt Bomer are also rumored earlier to play the famous boyfriend of Anastacia Steele (Dakota Johnson). Hunnam was originally cast as Grey in the movie, but due to his busy schedule and a petition to recast the movie, he was replaced by Dornan, according to Business Insider.
"Fifty Shades Darker" will be released in theaters on Feb. 10, 2017 and "Fifty Shades Freed" is slated for a Feb. 9, 2018 release.
Did you miss Dornan's interview at the "Jimmy Kimmel Live" show? Watch the video: