The film is a hot item for multiple reasons, not the least being it's touted as the next Avatar (before a frame of film has been shot, natch). The director has major clout thanks to films like children of Men and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and the Gravity screenplay supposedly contains a strong female lead role, hence the battle to nab the part. Whoever gets it will star opposite Robert Downey Jr., who signed onto the flick back in March.

Here's an idea of what Gravity is about, via Heat Vision: The movie's plot revolves around astronauts repairing the Hubble telescope who are hit with an avalanche of satellite junk. In a plot akin to "Cast Away," the surviving astronaut must fight her way back to Earth, where she hopes to reunite with her daughter.

Angelina Jolie was briefly attached to the project, but walked away due after negotiations regarding her hefty salary fell apart. Scarlett Johansson has been, for a few weeks now, considered the favorite to take on the role, but Lively's name surfaced last week in a NY Daily News article suggesting the "Gossip Girl" actress approached Cuaron begging for a chance at the part. Now Heat Vision is reporting that both have auditioned for the role, and a decision is expected shortly.

Both females already have fanboy cred: Scarlett appeared in Iron Man 2 with Downey Jr. earlier this summer, while Lively just wrapped on The Green Lantern, which opens next June. They're both also extremely attractive, which also helps their cause.

Source: Heat Vision Blog