Fifty Shades of Grey movie: Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey in first official film still

The Northern Irish actor can be seen looking broody in his character's Audi R8

Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey in the first-look Fifty Shades of Grey movie still (Universal)

In celebration of Christian Grey’s fictional birthday, the first official movie still of Jamie Dornan as the playboy billionaire has been posted on the Fifty Shades of Grey Facebook page.

The Northern Irish actor, 32, will star in the lead alongside infatuated schoolgirl, Anastasia Steele, played by Dakota Johnson.

The teaser photo shows Dornan in the driver’s seat of his Audi R8, wearing a leather jacket with a brooding, trying-hard-to-be-serious expression on his model face. It all seems a bit cringe, but his army of fans will no doubt be swooning.

The film adaptation of EL James’ bestselling erotic novel is set for UK release next Valentine’s Day weekend, with the promotional poster presenting a suited and booted Dornan with his back to the camera, in front of a high-rise office window.

"Mr Grey will see you now," the caption reads.

But not everyone is impressed with the first look front-on photo. “The casting is such a let-down that I’m really nervous about watching the films,” wrote one fan, while another added that Dornan is “not how Christian Grey looks in my head”.

The storyline follows the S&M relationship between Grey and Steele, but footage shown to journalists in March received a lukewarm reception.

Fifty Shades of Grey's Mad Men-esque official poster

Despite Universal Pictures chairman Donna Langley promising “the next iconic screen romance,” reporters warned fans to expect little more than “surprisingly tame PG kissing”.

Dornan was cast as Grey after director Sam Taylor-Johnson’s first choice Charlie Hunnam dropped out. The circumstances surrounding his departure remain unclear but scheduling conflicts are believed to have caused issues.