50 Shades of Grey Movie Casting News UPDATE: Chace Crawford as Christian Grey? E.L. James says 'No Way, Might as Well Audition for Anastasia Steele' [POLL]

Kinky "Fifty Shades of Grey" mastermind E.L. James refuses to dish about any juicy deets surrounding potential Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele casting... but according to recent reports, there's no way that "Gossip Girl" heartthrob Chace Crawford will ever snag the coveted role - ever. An alleged source close to the highly-anticipated film franchise claims that Crawford would never even be considered as a potential Mr. Grey candidate. Harsh! So how do fans react to the 27-year-old actor's being kicked out of the Christian Grey running, supposedly by the "Fifty Shades" authoress herself?!

As Gather Entertainment and Perez Hilton report, an alleged pal close to James insist

 "Casting wouldn't look at him as a first, second or even third choice."

Several other individuals with close ties to the "Fifty Shades" casting crew support this statement, claiming that Crawford might as well "audition for the role of Anastasia." There's no way he's getting the part of Grey.

Considering Crawford thinks he'd be a natural at portraying the tall, dark, and kinky billionaire, this may come as somewhat of a blow.

As Mstarz originally reported:

Crawford recently had a little chit-chat with Fox, and when asked if he'd ever consider taking on the role of Anastasia Steele's kinky leading man, he was more than happy to answer with a definite "yes" -

"I would love the challenge... I have not read the books, but what I know is that it is risqué, and to be honest, anything to shake up from the way I have been going would be good."

Although Crawford has yet to read the sexy book series, he went on to explain:

"I am only comfortable with S&M sex scenes! The other ones are just too simple and boring for me... I actually think, whether it is a sex scene, or screaming at something to get something across. I think it is kind of attacked the same way, and you're in the work mode, and you stay professional. It has never been awkward or intimidating."

Hmm... maybe James doesn't like the fact that Crawford is so anxious to take on a serious role for a film adaptation of a book he's never even laid hands on?

Fans should keep in mind that all this gossip is still complete hearsay... James won't even consider casting until a screenplay is written and director chosen.

Even so, what do "Fifty Shades" enthusiasts think about James' alleged dismal of Crawford as Mr. Grey?