Smoldering hot Ian Somerhalder of the "Vampire Diaries" has got his fangs set on a certain role.

Robert Pattinson may be the book's inspiration, but can the other vampire of the Salvatore brothers play the stunning Christian Grey in "50 Shades of Grey?" In a world filled with S&M and other R-rated adventures, does 33-year old Ian Somerhalder fit the cut?

In an interview with Ryan Seacrest Monday, the brooding half of the Salvatore brothers expressed his interest in playing the lead role in E.L. James' highly downloaded digital novel, "50 Shades of Grey".

So what is it all about?

"Fifty Shades of Grey" is a romance novel but with a few twists, including sexually infused adventures revolving around the relationship of two protagonists sworn to intimate secrecy. Surprisingly, though, the inspiration behind the book would be Edward Cullen and Isabella Swan of Stephanie Meyer's best-selling novels, "Twilight."

Robert Pattinson would of course play out the role as Christian Grey, perfectly given he was the original concept idea, but if there were another vampire who could play the role of the wealthy and immensely handsome bachelor, then it could be Somerhalder. The "Vampire Diaries" actor did express his "potential" to be cast as Grey.

"Potentially. I absolutely would be up for that. I have the book and I just started reading it. That would be a pretty incredible thing, and hopefully that could pan out, I think," says Ian, adding, "Yes, beyond the shadow of a doubt I think that would be a phenomenal opportunity!"

Though Ian sounds as if he still doesn't know exactly what he's getting himself into, he did just confess to still having started reading the book which means he hasn't reached the part with the triple X-rated scenes.

If Ian does gets the role, who would play his onscreen partner given that he's in a very serious relationship with co-star Nina Dobrev of the "Vampire Diaries?"

"I most likely would not," says Ian on suggesting any female lead to star opposite him as Anastasia Steel. "My wheels, they're not turning they're spinning. There are so many phenomenal actors right now. Ya know what, I'm going to think about that."

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