E.L. James' best-selling erotic romance novel "Fifty Shades of Grey," has sold over 70 million copies worldwide. Jamie Dornan, a northern Irish actor and former Calvin Klein model, takes on the new role of Christian Grey in the Universal and Focus adaptation of the literary sensation.

Earlier this month, Charlie Hunnam, who originally played the role of Christian Grey, stepped down from the role due to scheduling conflicts with "Sons of Anarchy" and upcoming movie, "Crimson Peak." Jamie Dornan and Billy Magnussen then were brought into the studio to test with Dakota Johnson, and Dornan eventually was chosen to take over Hunnam's part.

Before becoming Christian Grey, Dornan made his film debut, playing Axel von Fersen in Sofia Coppola's 2006 movie "Marie Antoinette." Since then, he's been on television, guest-starring as Sheriff Graham Humbert in the ABC series, "Once Upon a Time," as well as a serial killer Paul Spector in the BBC Two crime drama series, "The Fall."

Before he entered the world of acting, Jamie Dornan was posing in front of camera flashes, modeling for fashion campaigns. Besides working for Calvin Klein, he also modeled for other renowned couture fashion houses, such as Christian Dior and Giorgio Armani, boasting his muscular, statue-like physique.

Dornan can most certainly take advantage of his physical attributes, since his role will require him to act in explicitly sexual scenes in the S&M-themed trilogy adaptation, playing the 28-year-old millionaire CEO of Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, Dakota Johnson will co-star as Anastasia Steele. The shooting of "Fifty Shades of Grey" will begin on November 5, and it is scheduled for release on August 1, 2014.