The Harry Potter star may prove shes all grown up by taking on the role of Anastasia Steele, the naive young student who falls prey to mogul Christian Greys sexual predilections in EL Jamess bestselling bonkbuster.
It would be the latest in a slew of more mature roles Watson has taken since completing the Harry Potter franchise, and the highest profile.
If anyone has difficulty imagining Watson as an S&M fanwell, thats sort of the point. According to the (unverifiable) showbiz rumours, producers Mike De Luca and Dana Brunetti are drawn to Watsons innocent air as much as they are to her acting skills.
Although theres no casting news about a potential Grey, names as diverse as Ryan Gosling, Michael Fassbender, Channing Tatum, Ian Somerhalder and Christian Bale have been floated in connection with the role.
Should Watson make this risky move? Or would you rather see her stick to more mainstream fare? Tell us what you think in the comments...