Week one thousand and something: still no word from E. L. James or Universal Studios. The roles of Christian and Anastasia remain uncast. Down here in the "50 Shades of Grey" trenches, tensions are wearing thin. Fans are becoming more discouraged by the minute. A plague of severe frustration has run rampant throughout the grounds, yet they remain diligent. There's no giving up. Their hearts are too strong. Their dreams are too big. They persist day in and day out, feeding off mock trailers and poll rankings. Although the future is looking grim, the will to fight persists. If James and Universal could come to their senses and make a decision, this brutal war could be over. But no. The fans are left with no choice. They will fight for what they believe. They will fight for true love. They will fight for their favorite "50 Shades of Grey" contenders.

Time is running out. A decision is right around the corner. No matter how well versed fans are in waiting patiently, it will all come to an end very soon. So who's snatching headlines this week? Chace Crawford. The former "Gossip Girl" star could be joining Anastasia favorite Alexis Bledel on the "50 Shades" set. Neither of the two stars has been confirmed for the respective roles, however, the absence of any official word is not sufficient to thwart speculation.

"I would love the challenge," Crawford told Fox News. "I have not read the books, but what I know is that it is risqué, and to be honest, anything to shake up from the way I have been going would be good. Hey, if they ask me to come and read, I would definitely do so. I don't even know what the character is like; I haven't read anything or heard anything about it."

But would Crawford be comfortable stripping down on the big screen? "I am only comfortable with S&M sex scenes. The other ones are just too simple and boring for me," he added. "I actually think, whether it is a sex scene, or screaming at something to get something across. I think it is kind of attacked the same way, and you're in the work mode, and you stay professional. It has never been awkward or intimidating."

Another star to enter the "50 Shades" arena, Lauren Watson, who is also been mentioned in Anastasia talks alongside Bledel, shared her own thoughts on Crawford's contention.

"I got [the '50 Shades of Grey' books] and read them all within the week. I was hooked," Watson said during an interview with Examiner. "I'm a big fan of Chace Crawford. He could play anyone and it would work for me. I really like Matt Bomer's look and Jessie Pavelka is another top candidate for me when I think of Christian's physical image. I don't think I can pick just one actor."

A decision is rapidly approaching. It has to. The premiere is less than a year away, and still no Christian and Ana? The end is near.