50 Shades of Grey Movie Casting News UPDATE: Ian Somerhalder Dons Sexy Christian Grey Masquerade Mask, E.L. James Approves! [PHOTO]

Several "Fifty Shades of Grey" fans may find this latest casting rumor update quite amusing... on Tuesday (Feb. 19), the popular (and seductive) Twitter book blog "Bookish Temptations" posted an image of fan-favorite Ian Somerhalder donning a mysterious Christina Grey-esque masquerade mask. A popular passage from "Fifty Shades" accompanies the sexy image, with the caption - "All I can see of his face is his beautiful chiseled mouth and strong jaw." Author of the hit erotic series E.L. James was tagged in the post... and she actually responded! Although James didn't flat-out exclaim - "Yes! Ian Somerhalder is my perfect Christian Grey!" - she DID post a smiley face! Could the highly-anticipated casting dream of several "First Shades" fans finally come true - does James approve of Somerhalder snagging the lead role of Anastasia Steele's kinky leading man?

Check out the "Fifty Shades of Grey" tweet posted by Bookish Temptations on Tuesday, Feb. 19:

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

The photo is of 34-year-old Hollywood heartthrob Ian Somerhalder, taken from a masquerade ball scene from the hit CW drama series "The Vampire Diaries."

The post was quickly "favorited" and re-tweeted several times by "Fifty Shades" enthusiasts, but the most interesting response came from E.L. James herself:

@E_L_James: "@BookTemptations :D."

Okay, so it's a known fact that James continuously insists no official casting decisions will be made until a director is chosen and a screenplay finalized. But still, she obviously doesn't disapprove of the idea of Somerhalder potentially starring as the tall, dark, handsome, and successful Christian Grey!

And several Twitter fans seem to agree:

@biamomoa: "How can someone deny that Ian IS Mr. Grey? The one and only! Perfect!"

@KmiLaSomerholic: "Did you see this E.L?@iansomerhalder is perfect! ;)."

Bookish Temptations had to clear up the fact that no, this does not mean that Somerhalder is guaranteed the part of Grey. But the post did catch James' attention, which is a good sign for Somerhalder supporters!

The erotic book blog later tweeted James again, thanking her for the recognition:

@BookTemptations: "@E_L_James thank you. Have a lovely day Ms.James ;D."

Somerhalder has remained a leading contender in several "Fifty Shades" casting polls over the past few months. Given James' recent smiley-face approval, do more fans think he deserves the coveted role of the charmingly kinky Christian Grey?

Maybe James ran across one of these mock "Fifty Shades" trailers and it managed to draw her attention to Somerhalder's Christian Grey worthiness!