Now that the Fifty Shades of Grey movie has a release date, rumors on who would play the billionaire Christian Grey is up in the air and Hollywood hunks are reported to be lining up, vying for the role.

According to the blog Fashion N Style, vampire hotties Robert Pattinson, 34, and Ian Somerhalder, 27, are both vying for the role. The question now is: Are the “Twilight” and “Vampire Diaries” stars going kinky for the spotlight?

The answer is a big yes for Ian Somerhalder who has been very vocal about his interest in playing the 27-year-old sexy billionaire and BDSM-crazed Christian Grey, reported Fashion N Style. He has always been willing and open to give an answer to any reporter asking him if he wants to play the sexed-up role.

The “Vampire Diaries” star upped the ante in his quest for the part when he revealed edgy images of him in the bathtub, similar to some of the scenes with Christian and 22-year-old college grad Anastasia Steele in E.L. James breakaway bestseller.

In the photos, Ian is completely naked in a bathtub, while in another image, he was laying his head on a pillow with a smoldering look on his face. The photos were described by many as very “Christian Grey-like.”

Gossip blog CelebDirtyLaundry said that the photos featuring Ian were supposed to be used for photographer Butch Hogan’s portfolio.

"Had this been for a magazine shoot, or an endorsement deal it would have been understandable," according to the website.

"But the fact that the photos are merely another Somerhalder vanity project makes it look like a desperate last minute attempt to be considered to play Mr. Grey himself."

As for Robert Pattinson, his name has always been on the short list of possible Mr. Grey stars, especially since E.L. James said that the role of Edward Cullen in the “Twilight” series of novels was her inspiration for Christian Grey. Robert played the character part in all of the Twilight films. It is also important to note that he’s the same age as Christian Grey.

There have been reports that the Twilight hunk invited the Fifty Shades author to his Great Gatsby-themed party on June 23 and wasted no time to convince James he’s perfect for the steamy role.

“Rob and E.L. were in deep conversation,” said a source to O.K. Magazine, “Rob also joked that it would be the best acting of his life, because there is no way he is that confident in real life.”

Back in July last year, when the Fifty Shades movie casting rumors were running rapid all over the blogosphere and gossip circles, Robert told MTV’s Josh Horowitz about the “Fifty Shades” book.

“I would just sit there and lick the pages,” he shared during the interview.

He also humorously told MSN that he is “playing the part,” and adding that he also “wrote the book.”

Regardless of who plays the Christian Grey between the two Vampire hotties, or if they would even play it at all, it didn’t keep Focus Features and Universal Pictures to announce that the “Fifty Shades of Grey” movie will be released in theatres on August 1, 2014. The film adaptation will be directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson.