While speculation over who will take up the coveted role of Christian Grey in E.L. James' bestselling erotic thriller have gone into overdrive the past couple of days, rumors continue to trickle in about the contenders for the role of Anastasia Steele. Several actresses have been consistent contenders, but others have been added to spice things up.
'Gilmore Girls' star Alexis Bledel has dominated past Latinos Post fan polls as the top nominee for the role of the young, innocent and sexy Anastasia Steele. However, vampire-playing actresses Nina Dobrev ('The Vampire Diaries') and Ashley Greene ('The Twilight Saga') have also been among fans' favorites.
A number of other big-ticket actresses have been names as potential contenders for the role, although their willingness to play the part is still questionable. Mila Kunis ('Ted'), Jennifer Lawrence ('The Hunger Games'), Amanda Seyfried ('In Time') and Emma Watson ('Perks Of Being A Wallflower') have all be picked as possible Anastasia Steeles, but none have seemed too eager to take up the role.
TV starlets Lucy Hale ('Pretty Little Liars'), Emilia Clarke ('Game of Thrones') and Shailene Woodley ('The Secret Life of the American Teenager') have also popped up among fan sites. Each fits some of the characteristics of the lead female role, including appearance and age.
British author James has encouraged the speculation over casting among her fans but has repeatedly stated that casting decisions could be a while. Since obtaining the rights to the film earlier this year, Universal Pictures and Focus films has confirmed that producers Mike De Luca and Dana Brunetti and screenwriter Kelly Marcel have signed on to the project.
The first film in the highly anticipated series has not announced a theatrical release.