“Fifty Shades” director splits from sequel

The director of “Fifty Shades of Grey” has been talking about the sequel – from EL James' second novel “Fifty Shades Darker”, and has determined that she wants absolutely nothing to do with it.

Sam Taylor-Johnson officially announced that she will not return to helm “Fifty Shades Darker”, according to a statement released to Deadline. The director took a diplomatic tact, thanking everyone at the studio for their support and wishing the franchise nothing but luck as she washed her hands off the potential series.

“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 [Johnson] and Jamie [Dornan]. 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,” the statement read. 

But will the second and third chapters of the “Fifty Shades of Grey” series actually happen? On paper, they appear to be a no-brainer. EL James' books flew off of the bookshelves, and of course the initial “Fifty Shades” did very well at the box office because of a curiosity factor. But the movies have juggled an unusual amount of negativity both behind the scenes and in front of the cameras, making the sequels anything but slam dunks. 

The big hold up will be finding a new director who is willing to work with James and a pre-selected cast. The Wrap also adds that “Fifty Shades” screenwriter Kelly Marcel is “not expected” to return for the sequel, so Universal might truly be back at Square One.

Source: Cinemablend