Emma Watson in talks to play 50 Shades of Grey's Anastasia Steele in film adaptation of erotic novel sensation

The Harry Potter actress is the first choice for the lead role, according to industry insiders, which would see her play an improbably named student inducted into the world of bondage and kinky sex by the male lead, handsome billionaire Christian Grey.

The Vampire Diaries and Lost pretty boy Ian Somerhalder is apparently the favourite to play Grey.

British author EL James is understood to have chosen The Social Network producers Mike De Luca and Dana Brunetti to cast the film version of her hit 'mummy porn' tale.

Other stars linked to the roles - which have not yet been officially cast - are Scarlett Johansson as Anastasia and Ryan Gosling as Christian Grey.

We should be so lucky ...

If Watson did take on the project, it would mark a significant departure from her signature Hermione role in children's favourite Harry Potter.

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