Ever since the book Fifty Shades of Grey hit–and flew off of–shelves, there’s been a ton of speculation over a movie deal and who would star in the risque S&M romp. No actor has been more vocal about wanting the role of Christian Grey than Ian Somerhalder, and he’s pulling out all the stops to get the part!

For those who maybe live under a rock, Fifty Shades of Grey is a steamy novel by E.L. James, who wrote it based on some of her own Twilight fan fiction. In the book, a virginal college grad, Anastasia Steele, gets embroiled in a submissive sexual relationship with a billionaire named Christian Grey . . . Who happens to be really into BDSM (that is, bondage, dominance and submission, and sadism and masochism). Ow!

Universal Pictures and Focus Features snagged the rights to the film adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey, and Ian Somerhalder has been pushing hard for the debonair, dominating male lead. He’s taken to Twitter to get attention of those involved with the film–there were rumors that Angelina Jolie was interested in directing it, but those haven’t been confirmed just yet. And now he has the seal of approval from writer Bret Easton Ellis–the same guy who wrote American Psycho and The Rules of Attraction (a movie that Ian starred in!). Bret’s wanted to write the movie version of Fifty Shades of Grey since the deal originally got made, and now he’s saying he wants Ian Somerhalder as Christian.

Ian tweeted, “@BretEastonEllis -Id so love to be ChristianGrey w/you&Angelina Jolie. Ive only waited 10 years to do a movie w/u.Im grown up now-no worries!”

At first, Bret said he thought Alex Pettyfer would be perfect for the part, but Ian Somerhalder’s fans may have finally convinced him that The Vampire Diaries star (and his piercing eyes, chiseled good looks, and fab build) is the one. “Rereading “Fifty Shades of Grey: it’s hard for me to think of Ian Somerhalder as Christian G. because I’ve known him personally for so long,” Bret tweeted. “I know Ian Somerhalder and how kinky he can be and yes, he’s probably Christian Grey in Fifty Shades of Grey, and he will go all-out for it.”

Ow ow! We’re not sure what or how Bret knows just how kinky Ian Somerhalder is (though, let’s be real, most of us would love to find out for ourselves), but we’re happy he wants him for the part. Ian Somerhalder may still face some stiff (ahem) competition, though–True Blood and Battleship star Alexander Skarsgard also expressed interest in playing Christian in the Fifty Shades of Grey movie.

As for who’s gonna take on the role of Anastasia? Pretty Little Liars starlets Ashley Benson and Lucy Hale have both come out and said they’d love to play Fifty Shades of Grey protagonist Ana, though we’re wondering how a certain Nina Dobrev would feel about that!

Have you read Fifty Shades of Grey? Do you think Ian Somerhalder is good as Christian? Who do you think would be the perfect Christian or Ana? Who do you think should be in the movie version of Fifty Shades of Grey? Tell us in the comments!

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