Casting rumors of E.L. James' bestselling erotic thriller series '50 Shades of Grey' have run rampant ever since Universal Pictures and Focus Films purchased the rights to the film earlier this year. Fans have used the pre-production phase of the first film to promote their favorite actors and actresses for the lead roles of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele.
Two actors that have dominated fan polls for the lead male role of 27-year-old millionaire Christian Grey are 'White Collar' actor Matt Bomer and 'The Vampire Diaries' actor Ian Somerhalder. Bomer and Somerhalder have battled it out in the last two Latinos Post polls, with Somerhalder taking the lead in the latest poll with 38.34 percent of the votes (314 of 819 votes casted).
The 33-year-old vampire-playing actor has also expressed interest in playing the part. Although downplaying his potential involvement in the film, calling rumors "just talk," Somerhalder did admit to reading the books. Somerhalder also has the support of fans off the polls.
In the fan-made site fiftyshadesfilm.com, one fan wrote, "Ian Somerhalder is perfect for Christian Grey. I honestly can't see any other actor doing it justice like he would! He has the look and he is extremely sexy. His scowl can make women drop to their knees. His eyes are exactly like they are described in the book."
Bomer's fans, however, disagree and say he is truly the best pick for the role. "I vote for Matt Brommer. He's perfect for the role of Chistian Grey. Alexis Bledel is perfect for the role of Anastasia," one fan wrote.
Fans have also been very vocal about who they want to see playing 21-year-old Anastasia Steele. In an ongoing poll by Latinos Post, actresses Nina Dobrev ('Vampire Diaries') and Alexis Bledel ('Gilmore Girls') have been at almost a tie among voters, with 27.27 percent and 25.25 percent of the votes respectively.
While the two battle it out in polls, it appears fans on the fan-site are much more supportive of 31-year-old Bledel playing the role. "Alexis Bledel is perfect for the role of Anastasia," one fan wrote recently.
Unfortunately for fans, it may be a while before complete casting decision are made but they can rest assured that E.L. James will consider fans' suggestions. The film is currently in its pre-production phase of development and only recently hired screenwriter Kelly Marcel ('Terra Nova') to write the film's script. Producers Mike De Luca and Dana Brunetti have also been confirmed.
A release date for the first film in the series has yet to be announced.