Fifty Shades Male Lead 'To Be Picked In Weeks'

The replacement for Charlie Hunnam as the male lead in the movie version of Fifty Shades Of Grey is likely to be determined within "a few weeks", it is reported.

It was confirmed by NBC-Universal yesterday that the film is still slated for release next August and that Dakota Johnson is still attached to play the female lead, Anastasia Steele.

And Variety reports that the movies' execs have pledged that a fresh male lead will be appointed within a matter of weeks.

The film, which is being directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, is set to go into production on 1 November.

We told you yesterday how Jamie Dornan is reported to be at the front of the queue to play bondage-loving billionaire Christian Grey.