While many noteworthy actors have come up in polls to play the Christian Grey character in the "Fifty Shades of Grey" film, one name that's seemed to resurfacing on the daily is Vampire Diaries' Ian Somerhalder.  Although it's old news that the 34-year-old is a hot topic over the S&M-crazed billionaire part, he recently did something that has left many fans in wonder over his status for the role.

In order to assist with raising money for the Mozilla Firefox Challenge, Somerhalder recently tweeted that if his fans could "donate or raise $50 or more before 1/9 through his foundation page, then they could "Win my personal copy of 50 Shades with a personal note :). Help ISF win the MFC."

In just over a day's time, the post on Twitter was retweeted 2,589 times and obtained 2,000 favorites. While the donations continue to scour in at a rapid pace for a shot at Somerhalder's personally penned "Fifty Shades of Grey" novel, rumors began to ignite that the message he wrote will reveal that he's indeed the chosen one for the Grey role.

Many "Fifty Shades" loyalists feel that the 34-year-old has the perfect look to pull off the Grey role with his deep blue eyes and brunette mane. To top it off, Somerhalder continues to effectively play a similar role as the "bad boy" in his CW vampire series. 

While speaking to Ryan Seacrest a couple months back on "On Air," author E.L. James may have even tipped off her preference for the actor, according to WetPaint.

"I'm a big Vampire Diaries fan," she said.

Somerhalder actually came clean in September to E! on having read the racy erotica. He also spoke about how he envisions the casting process going. Although he didn't deny interest in the Grey role, it seemed as though he was avoiding any association with it.

"I think that's going to be a very interesting story to tell...It seems like whoever plays that role, it will be very interesting rehearsal time... the audition process is gonna be interesting," he stated.

Only time will truly tell if Somerhalder is the man for the hefty job. At this point, James and her producers have continued to remain relatively discreet on just how the casting process will unfold.