All summer long, Hollywood insiders have been speculating as to which actor will play the coveted role of Christian Grey in the upcoming movie 50 Shades of Grey, the film adaptation of the book which is guaranteed to be a sure-fire hit. While the verdict is still out, a new frontrunner has emerged in the race for one of the most hotly anticipated roles in recent movie history: Matt Bomer is the favorite for the position (though some reports Ian Somerhalder may have overtaken Bomer as the frontrunner).

But much of that may depend on which female actress gets cast in the lead female role of Anastasia Steele. Until now, there have been few clues as to which actresses is in the running (or even wants to star) in that role. Some of the names bandied about include: Angelina Jolie (long-shot), Emma Watson (has denied she's interested), and Kristen Steward (brand is tainted because of recent cheating scandal). Now, however, there are new clues as to who may play the female lead: According to "Books and Review," Gilmore Girls star Alexis Bledel gave a major shout out and thank you to her fans over Facebook and Twitter for supporting her in the role.

"Wow, I see lots of you want me to play [the part of] Ana in '50 Shades of Grey' ... :)"

While the message is far from concrete and hardly definitive, it does seem to suggest that Bledel is interested in the role, which is more than can be said for Watson or Elizabeth Olsen (who has also denied that she's interested). Some other fan favorites include Lucy Hale, Emelia Clarke, and Alexandra Daddario. Lucy Hale has also expressed an interest in taking over the role of Christian Grey's lover.

Bledel's fans say she perfectly fits the description of Anastasia Steele, who is described with soft, pale skin, dark hair, and blue eyes, all features that Bledel has.

Much may depend on the order in which the two stars are cast. It's clear that any duo will have to have intense on-screen chemistry, so any female lead would have to "fit" alongside the actor chosen for Christian Grey.

First, we'll have to see who gets selected as a director and who is chosen to write the screenplay for the movie. Then, the speculation games continue as to who will play Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele.