By Gema Bate
An unknown actor from the West Midlands has landed a role in a 25 million dollar sci-fi movie – and is the focus of a Twitter campaign to make him the steamy star of the new 50 Shades Of Grey bonkbuster.
Craig Edwards, from Aldridge, near Walsall, may just be starting out on his career but he is already in hot demand, landing roles in three American films and being touted as the new Christian Grey.
His fanbase has rocketed from 30 to 30,000 twitter followers – and is growing by the day.
“The buzz isn’t around what I’ve done,” he admits. “It’s because of the roles I’ve been trying out for, and those I’ve been getting.”
First up will be the lead in Epic Of Manas – a science fiction film in which Craig is the guardian of the bridge between ancient wisdom and the extinction of the human race. Based on the Earth Metal comic book series, it is being largely filmed in New Zealand.
Then Craig will be shooting My Time to Go, starring Sweeney Todd star Ed Sanders, and The Daughters Of Hustle, based on the controversial book which challenged people’s perceptions just like 50 Shades Of Grey has.
“I’ve also auditioned for Vampire Diaries and there was talk about Game of Thrones,” says Craig. “I keep getting compared to the likes of Ian Somerhalder and Taylor Lautner, too.”
Once it was announced that Charlie Hunnam had stepped down as Mr Grey, the Midland actor’s army of fans took to the internet in an attempt to get Craig considered for the role.
“There’s a fair bit of support growing,” he says. “If my fans wanted me to, and the director wanted me to, I would definitely be up for it.”
Not bad considering that just 10 months ago Craig was a shop worker.
“I’ll be going off to film in January to the US, then back here to film, then to New Zealand for Epic of Manas,” he reveals.
“Then I fly back out to the US again before coming back home.”
Home is with his parents, his sister and four foster kids. Mum and dad support his bid for stardom, though they originally thought he was going to study law.
“My sister is now looking at getting into acting and drama classes,” he adds. “I’ve been trying to teach her and mentor her – but she doesn’t need it. She’ll be catching me up soon.”
One plan Craig has for the future is to spearhead charity campaigns to help those in need.
“I’m in the process of setting one up now,” he explains. “I’m quite big on wildlife protection but my main focus is on homeless charities. My family foster children so it’s close to my heart. Maybe one day I could open a children’s home.”
