50 Shades of Grey Movie Casting News UPDATE: Christian Grey Favorite Ian Somerhalder Cuddles Up with Grumpy Cat, Shows Sexy, Sensitive Side [PHOTO]

Ian Somerhalder remains a top fan-favorite to snag the hot and kinky role of Christian Grey in E.L. James' highly-anticipated film adaptation of "Fifty Shades of Grey." With his sexy charm, handsomely seductive demeanor, and adorable sensitivity, it's no wonder so many fans find the "Vampire Diaries" heartthrob a perfect Christian Grey match! Not only does Somerhalder provide major sex appeal, but he's a total sweetheart, too! The 34-year-old actor recently posed with Tardar Sauce (aka Reddit's Grumpy Cat) at the SXSW festival in Texas... and the aww-worthy photo has since gone viral on the web. Does Somerhalder's drool-worthy sexiness mixed with this sense of charming sensitivity make him the perfect Christian Grey? Take Mstars' latest "Fifty Shades" casting poll to find out!

UPDATE: Ian Somerhalder Talks Christian Grey with Andy Cohen, 'Many Young Boys Up for the Role,' Too Old? [VIDEO]

Ever since "Fifty Shades" casting rumors began circulating on the web earlier last year, Somerhalder has continued to reign supreme in several Christian Grey fan-favorite polls (right alongside Matt Bomer, Henry Cavil, Ryan Gosling, and a slew of other Hollywood hotties). As Mstars originally reported:

Some fans think that Somerhalder has the perfect look and attitude to portray the suave, handsome, and successful businessman Christian Grey. Those piercing eyes and that silky brunette mane could probably do the trick, and his role as the sexy, "bad boy" vampire Damon Salvatore in the hit CW television series "Vampire Diaries" leaves some fans swooning. The only setback would probably be his age - Grey is only supposed to be 27 at the start of the "Fifty Shades" trilogy. But the fact that Somerhalder is already in his mid-30s doesn't seem to affect many "Fifty Shades" enthusiast... in several recent Mstarz polls, he remains neck-in-neck will fellow fan favorite Matt Bomer. A sneak-peak trailer for Somerhalder's latest acting project - a series of six short films entitled "Time Framed" - also has some fans and critics buzzing that the short clip would make the perfect screen test/audition for "Fifty Shades." Check it out: 

And thanks to several "Fifty Shades" fans strongly devoted to Somerhalder, he's continued to gain avid Mr. Grey recognition:

The former "Lost" hottie has even managed to snag the attention of erotic authoress EL James... well, sort of. This seductive image was posted by a "Fifty Shades" Twitter fan page last month:

@BookTemptations: "All I can see of his face is his beautiful chiseled mouth and strong jaw.#FiftyShadesDarker @E_L_James."

Oh, and Somerhalder's perfectly-chiseled physique doesn't hurt his Christian Grey chances, either:

But it's not only his looks that give Somerhalder the Mr. Grey upper-hand, it's his adorably sweet charm, too:

@iansomerhalder: "Oops! I left out Grumpy cat!!! This cat is kind of amazing..."

Somerhalder just posted the pic from SXSW on Sunday (March 10)... it's already garnered over 8,000 "favorites."

Is Somerhalder capable of swooning Anastasia Steele with such sexy likability and charm? Voice your opinions, "Fifty Shades" fans!