"Fifty Shades of Grey" was probably the most talked about erotica movie, and book, of all time, and with it being a three-book series, moviegoers are already pumped to see what the sequel has in store on the big screen. The first movie was a box office hit and brought in $570 million worldwide, but there is one significant change for the upcoming sequel: it will have a new director.
Back in March, just a month after the movie hit theaters, director Sam Taylor-Johnson announced that she would not be returning as the director for the sequel.
"While I will not be returning to direct the sequels, I wish nothing but success to whosoever takes on the exciting challenges of films two and three," her statement read. "Directing 'Fifty Shades of Grey' has been an intense and incredible journey for which I am hugely grateful. I have Universal to thank for that. I forged close and lasting relationships with the cast, producers and crew and most especially, with Dakota and Jamie."
While Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan will be returning in the lead roles, Universal is still trying to figure out who's going to direct the films. Luckily for fans, the studio is close to finding the right choice, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Universal has been searching long and hard alongside author EL James for the perfect director to take Taylor-Johnson's place, and although no offer has been officially made, it has narrowed it down to three choices. Sources have said that the finalists are James Foley, director of "House of Cards," Mark Pellington, director of "Arlington Road," and Tanya Wexler, director of "Hysteria." The process to make the decision final will begin early next week, and it seems as though Foley is the frontrunner.
The task may be a hard one to take on as Taylor-Johnson was very vocal in the past about her struggles with James during filming. James was apparently very opinionated, wanting the adaption of her book to be just perfect.
The sequel, "Fifty Shades Darker," which will be released on Feb. 10, 2017, will focus on Anastasia's relationship with Christian Grey as she starts a new job while dealing with many of Grey's former flings, according to Screen Rant.
Screenwriter Kelly Marcel is also not returning for the sequel, The Hollywood Reporter exclusively learned in April. It turns out James' husband Niall Leonard will be taking her place.
"Niall is an outstanding writer in his own right with multiple established credits," producer Michael De Luca said. "And we are lucky to have him join Team Fifty."
The third film for the book "Fifty Shades Freed" will be released a year after the sequel on Feb. 9, 2018. Watch the official teaser for "Fifty Shades Darker" below!
