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The casting of Charlie Hunnam and Dakota Johnson in Fifty Shades of Grey leaves a lot to be desired for many fans. In a way, this was inevitable.

Since the film was announced in March 2012, dozens of stars have been attached to the romantic leads, Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele.

Dakota Johnson and Charlie Hunnam were selected to play the parts Monday, beating out more many established peers and fan favorites alike.

So who else was actually considered, and why weren’t they picked?

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According to The Hollywood Reporter, Garrett Hedlund (subject of a fan-made trailer above) was heavily courted by Universal Pictures for Christian.

This wasn’t just a rumor started by a reader.

The 28-year-old reportedly passed on the project in July because he "couldn’t connect with the character," a billionaire with a penchant for rough sex.

 

Hey, it’s not for everyone.

Producers also previously expressed interest in Ryan Gosling, an overwhelming fan favorite for this (or any role), though the feeling wasn’t mutual.

Arrow star Stephen Amell also took a meeting, but then fell out of the running, while EJ James reportedly wanted Robert Pattinson first and foremost.

Another popular fan pick, The Vampire Diaries‘ Ian Somerhalder, was never seriously considered, nor was Matt Bomer … sorry, online petitioners.

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On the Ana Steele side, Shailene Woodley is said to be one of James’ favorites, and the 21-year-old didn’t balk at the sexually-charged material either.

Divergent press commitments were the big obstacle, though. Too big of one.

Elizabeth Olsen, Imogen Poots and Alicia Vikander were considered, as was Felicity Jones, but producers felt that at age 30, she was too old.

Ultimately, the parts went to Johnson, the daughter of Melanie Griffth and Don Johnson, and Hunnam, best known to fans as Jax on Sons of Anarchy.

This did not go over well with legions of mommy-porn loving fans.

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Not long after Hunnam and Johnson were hired, an online petition was started asking producers to recast the film with Matt Bomer and Alexis Bledel.

More than 18,000 signatures were collected in a matter of hours.

Despite the backlash, a source previously told E! that James is "very happy" about the Hunnam pick, saying, "She is obsessed with Charlie’s work!"

And you? What do you think of Hunnam as Christian?

And Johnson as his lover, Anastasia?