The film adaptation of controversial romance novel 50 Shades of Grey might have found its leading man.

It is rumored that director Gus Van Sant had British actor Alex Pettyfer - whom you may recall as Adam from Magic Mike - test for the role of Christian Grey, the protagonist of E.L. James' steamy romance novel. While nothing is set in stone just yet, sources say that Van Sant has had Pettyfer test a scene with an unknown actress in order to impress the film's producers.

Ryan Gosling and Zac Efron are among some of the stars whose names have been suggested for the role of Christian.

As for the role of the female lead, Anastasia Steele, both Elizabeth Olsen and Emma Watson have ruled out the possibility of accepting the part.

There's no word yet as to when the film is due to be released.