Britney Spears: James Franco should star in '50 Shades of Grey'

(UPI) -- Though its unclear whether "50 Shades of Grey" producers would ever consider James Franco for the role of suave entrepreneur Christian Grey, the 35-year-old actor, writer, director and artist can count on the support of American pop princess Britney Spears.

I love James Franco," Spears said when British radio hosts asked for her thoughts on the recent "50 Shades" casting shake up. "I think he's really cool."

Huffington Post speculates that Spears' interest in Franco stems from his performance in last year's "Spring Breakers," in which he covered her 2004 track, "Everytime."

"50 Shades" producers are scrambling to recast their leading man after "Sons of Anarchy's" Charlie Hunnam dropped out -- officially for time constraints but unofficially because of his concerns about media attention.

Though fans of E.L. James massively successful erotic novel favor "White Collar's" Matt Bomer or "Vampire Diaries'" Ian Somerhalder, gossip sites are floating names like Jamie Dornan, Alexander Skarsgard and Theo James.

Most recently, director Oliver Stone suggested Leonardo DiCaprio.

“He’d make a fortune,” Stone told The Wall Street Journal.