Mark Wahlberg Discusses '50 Shades Of Grey' Movie

Mark Wahlberg knew 50 Shades Of Grey, the erotic novel by E L James, was going to be a big hit — so big, in fact, that Wahlberg tried (without success) to secure the book's film rights.

"I just knew that it was going to be a phenomenon, whether I thought it was good, bad or indifferent," Wahlberg told Access Hollywood. "It was definitely going to be one of those things that would create a huge buzz." Wahlberg added that he was "very close" to getting the rights. "We were talking with the writer before she had an agent," he said.

Since Wahlberg was one of the early readers of the mega-popular novel, does that mean he's open to playing Christian Grey in the movie version? "I don't think I would consider playing the part," he said. "I don't think my wife would like that."

Read more here:

Chris Pine Would Join '50 Shades Of Grey' Cast 'If It's A Good Script'

WATCH: Ellen DeGeneres Reads '50 Shades Of Grey'

WATCH: Selena Gomez In '50 Shades Of Grey' Parody

Uinterview | News: Selena Gomez Won't Do '50 Shades Of Grey'