Emma Watson may star in erotic Fifty Shades of Grey movie

From Harry Potter to hot 'n' heavy! Rumour has it Emma Watson is "frontrunner" to play Anastasia Steele in the erotic Fifty Shades of Grey movie.

According to the New York Daily News, the 22-year-old is "in talks" with producers about taking on the kinky female lead in the flick, which is based on EL James' best-selling novel of the same name.

The Vampire Diaries' Ian Somerhalder is the reported favourite to play the film's male lead Christian Grey, a billionaire businessman who woos college student Anastasia into his world of BDSM sex.

Twilight's Kristen Stewart has also been rumoured to play Anastasia, which would be suitable but highly controversial given the book originated from a Twilight fan fiction, which featured characters Edward Cullen and Bella Swan.

Kristen admitted recently that she "hadn't read the book yet," so "didn't know" whether she'd be up for the part.

Screen siren Scarlett Johansson is also in the running to play the lead female role, which could be appropriate given her history of

kinky nude scandals.

Emma and her reps have yet to comment on the casting news.

As for the project’s producers, Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti (The Social Network), they haven’t spoken on the Watson situation specifically, but Brunetti sent out a recent Tweet that aimed to keep the chatter in check.

"All of the rumors on #FiftyShades are just that — rumors," he wrote yesterday. "No one has been cast in any role. We have to get a writer and director first."

Between Emma, Kristen and Scarlett, who's your pick to take on sexy Anastasia?