Robert Pattinson was first choice for Fifty Shades, says Bret Easton Ellis

Writer Bret Easton Ellis has revealed that 'Twilight' star Robert Pattinson was the first choice to play Christian Grey in the forthcoming film adaptation of the erotic novel 'Fifty Shades of Grey'.

Ellis, most famous for his novels 'American Psycho' and 'Less Than Zero', was for a time angling to write the screenplay for the film (he most recently penned derided Lindsay Lohan movie 'The Canyons' for the screen).

[Fifty Shades Of Grey movie: Dakota Johnson and Charlie Hunnam cast in lead roles]

Though it's now being formulated by British writer Kelly Marcel – who has also penned the forthcoming 'Saving Mr Banks' for Disney – Ellis appears to have an inside track on the casting process.

He tweeted yesterday:

It would make sense. 'Fifty Shades' writer EL James originally developed her massive-selling book from fan fiction based on Pattinson and Kristen Stewart's characters in 'Twilight'.

It's also being reported that British actress Felicity Jones – star of 'Cemetery Junction' and 'Chalet Girl' – also turned down the role of Anastasia Steele, the student who is seduced by billionaire businessman Christian Grey in the novel.

It is claimed she objected to the full-frontal nudity planned for director Sam Taylor-Wood's movie.

Perhaps she hadn't read the book?

[Inside Charlie Hunnam and Dakota Johnson's 'Fifty Shades of Grey' casting]

The could-haves are all immaterial now, however, following the news that 'Sons of Anarchy' star Charlie Hunnam is now to play Christian Grey, with 'The Social Network's Dakota Johnson – daughter of Don Johnson and Melanie Griffiths – set to take on Anastasia.

The film is due out on August 1, 2014, with a first teaser booked into a slot at the Super Bowl on February 2, 2014.